EXCLUSIVE: Australia has rules that encourage refugees – Liberal MP

Illegal immigrants from Sri Lanka, who are caught on their way to Australia, have become fairly common. Australian MP Donald James Randall believes that these illegal immigrants are in truth, coming in search of better jobs and not to escape persecution. 

In an exclusive interview with Ada Derana, the Liberal MP for Canning describes his views on the matter, and what needs to be done.

The MP explains how his interests towards Sri Lanka as a parliamentarian improved, his visits there (both official and private) and about Sri Lanka – Australia relations. He talks of his experiences with the people who were displaced in the north of Sri Lanka and their intentions in a post-war Sri Lanka.

Don Randall expresses his views about the people in the North, mentioning that there is an excessive amount of military personnel there, and the large amount of soldiers are ‘aimlessly’ wondering in those parts. 

When inquired regarding the many boats from Sri Lanka that are arriving in Australia, the MP stated that the current Australian government has rules that essentially encourage refugees, and that people prefer to come to Australia for better jobs. He believes that people in Sri Lanka are being misled by people smugglers to sell all their belongings and attempt to reach Australia. The MP explains that the illegal immigrants were simply leaving for a better standard of life, and are not seeking political asylum.

Don Randall is a Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives. He represented the Division of Swan, Western Australia, 1996–98, and has represented the Division of Canning, Western Australia, since November 2001. He was born in Merredin, Western Australia, and was educated at Graylands Teachers College, Perth. He was a teacher and marketing consultant before entering politics.