Can’t stop the boats

Posted: September 8, 2010 by rodbenson in asylum seekers, politics, social justice
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By Rod Benson

Three things give Christmas Island its reputation: phosphate mining (now in its last decade), the natural environment (who could forget those amazing red crabs), and of course the four detention centres where asylum seekers are housed while they await processing.

Unfortunately, the issue of desperate people trying to get to Australia in leaky boats divides the community, and featured prominently in the election campaigns of both major and minor parties.

The issue will be with us for a long time to come, and there are no easy solutions.  Is detention justifiable?  Well, yes, but for how long, and for how many?  Is there a queue that can be jumped?  Yes and no.  Can the government stop the boats by turning them around, or by dealing with people smugglers at the source?  Probably not.

Whatever rules we adopt, people will keep coming, filled with hope for a better life.  Our task is to meet that demand with justice and compassion.  

Three things give Christmas Island its reputation: phosphate mining (now in its last decade), the natural environment (who could forget those amazing red crabs), and of course the four detention centres where asylum seekers are housed while they await processing.

Unfortunately, the issue of desperate people trying to get to Australia in leaky boats divides the community, and featured prominently in the election campaigns of both major and minor parties.

The issue will be with us for a long time to come, and there are no easy solutions.  Is detention justifiable?  Well, yes, but for how long, and for how many?  Is there a queue that can be jumped?  Yes and no.  Can the government stop the boats by turning them around, or by dealing with people smugglers at the source?  Probably not.

Whatever rules we adopt, people will keep coming, filled with hope for a better life.  Our task is to meet that demand with justice and compassion. 

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 22 August 2010.

Image: http://www.thepunch.com.au/images/uploads/hanson-young-boat-people.gif

Ethics classes as a weapon

Posted: September 8, 2010 by rodbenson in NSW politics, education, ethics
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By Rod Benson

With the federal election behind us, it’s time to focus on public issues closer to home.  Two issues that will exercise the hearts and minds of NSW citizens in the next few weeks are the matter of adoption by same sex couples (I’ll have more to say about that next week), and the proposed ethics classes in state schools – both issues championed by Premier Keneally but dividing the community.

An independent evaluation of the trial ethics program is now underway, but I can’t see it being anything more than a rubber stamp for the Keneally government and the powerful P & C Federation which is allegedly using ethics classes to undermine Special religious Education in our schools.

I have nothing against a well-designed and well-resourced ethics program, but it should be taught by trained teachers to all students, and it should not suppress the rich tradition of religious ethics. 

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 22 August 2010.

Image: http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/201005/r574987_3576205.jpg

Election policy checklists

Posted: September 8, 2010 by rodbenson in democracy, politics, politics and faith
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By Rod Benson

Judging by the comments I hear, and the time spent on election-related issues by Christian leaders, you’d have to conclude that next weekend’s federal election is a big deal for Australians who take their faith seriously.

Now if you’re like me, and you’re tired of the ads and sick of the spin, there are several online checklists that will help you cut through the spin and get a clear idea of where parties and candidates stand on issues that are important to you.

The Australian Christian Lobby has a web page where you can compare party responses on ten issues ranging from poverty to education to sexualisation.  Family Voice Australia surveyed all 1198 candidates on issues such as marriage, abortion, internet filtering and religious freedom.  And the ultra-conservative Australian Christian Values Institute put 23 questions to seven political parties to produce its scorecard. 

I’m Rod Benson for nswchurches.org, where you’ll find links to the three checklists.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 15 August 2010.

Image: http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/08/21/gillard-julia-australia-cp-9239809.jpg

Thursday was National Marriage Day

Posted: September 8, 2010 by rodbenson in marriage
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By Rod Benson

Did you know that National Marriage Day takes place on the 13th August every year?  That’s right: Thursday was National Marriage Day.

The most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that the rate of marriage is at a 20-year high, with a 15.2 per cent increase in the number of marriages.  And divorce rates are on a downward trend, peaking back in 2001 and dropping 14.6 per cent by 2008.

According to the National Marriage Coalition, married couples have more frequent and enjoyable sex, are healthier, live longer, accumulate more wealth, are more likely to get a job promotion, and raise happier children.

What’s not to love about marriage?  Of course, like any long-term relationship, a marriage can be hard work, and it’s not for everyone.  Whether you’re married or single, you have been shaped in large and small ways by the tradition of marriage.  It’s an idea and a pleasure worth celebrating.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 15 August 2010.

Image: http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com

Who will you vote for?

Posted: September 8, 2010 by rodbenson in democracy, politics and faith
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By Rod Benson

The Catholic Church and the Australian Christian Lobby joined forces this week to urge Christians not vote in the federal election for The Australian Greens.

Cardinal George Pell described as the Greens as “sweet camouflaged poison.”  And ACL Managing Director Jim Wallace has been equally critical of the Greens’ strong anti-Christian stance on a number of issues.

On the other hand, Jesuit priest Father Frank Brennan suggested recently that the Greens had a more Christian message than the major parties on issues such as refugees, aid, public housing and the environment.

We’re all free to make up our own minds about the relative merits of parties, policies and candidates.  And on Saturday, as we cast our votes, you and I have the opportunity to influence the shape and direction of Australian society.

Your vote can help our society to be more moral, compassionate and just.  Not a Christian society, but one that respects and values Christian principles.

Broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 15 August 2010.

Image: http://www.thepunch.com.au/images/uploads/ballot-box.jpg

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