SIEV X Screening

Congratulations to the people who've worked tirelessly
on this valuable project (see link and article below).
The minister and the government she's a part of
clearly don't think that informing students about what
has happened in our recent history with asylum seekers,
or instiling them a sense of compassion or open
mindedness, forms a part of "Australian values".

A reminder that in Sydney this Monday 23 October, 6pm,
RACNSW will screen a short documentary about the
SIEV-X tragedy, and and discuss potential campaigning
around the issue.

Room 2, First floor, Teachers Federation, 23 Mary St
Surry Hills (between Albion & Reservoir Sts).

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http://www.abc. net.au/news/ newsitems/ 200610/s1768811. htm

Last Update: Thursday, October 19, 2006. 1:28pm (AEST)

Ms Bishop says the SIEV X disaster should not be used
to push an agenda. (file photo) (ABC TV)

Minister concerned at schools' SIEV X case study

The federal Education Minister, Julie Bishop, has
accused the authors of a case study on the SIEV X
maritime disaster of using the incident
inappropriately to promote a political agenda.

More than 350 asylum seekers died when the boat known
as the SIEV X sank on its way to Australia in 2001.

A group claiming no affiliation with any political
organisation, has launched a case study of the
disaster to be used in New South Wales secondary
schools.

Ms Bishop says she has nothing against children being
taught facts in history classes but she does have
concerns about the plan to use the study in schools.

"A tragic accident should not be used to push a
political agenda and students need to be given the
facts, and not unsubstantiated rumour, in order to
form their own judgements and form their own opinions
about this matter."

However, the Opposition's Immigration spokesman, Tony
Burke, has endorsed the plan to teach children about
the SIEV X disaster.

"SIEV X is part of Australian history," Mr Burke said.

"It's part of our experience for the simple reason
that the people on that vessel were on their way to
Australia hoping to become Australians and I don't
think we should pick and choose which parts of our
history are appropriate for children to know about."

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Here's some links to stories about the opening of the
SIEV-X memorial, which a couple of us from Sydney and
Melbourne RACs attended in Canberra on Sunday.

http://canberra. yourguide. com.au/detail. asp?story_ id=517078
http://www.smh. com.au/news/ NATIONAL/ Anniversary- of-Siev-X- disaster- marked/2006/ 10/15/1160850808 238.html

Mark