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‘Risk reduction’ has occurred at the expense of ‘duty to Aussie citizens in India’04/05/2021|7min
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan says he understands why health officials want to reduce the coronavirus risk to zero but fears pandemic measures are being prioritised above “brotherly love for other Australians”.
His comment comes as Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly conceded Australians could die overseas due to the India travel ban.
“I was against the ban overall last week. Obviously, the announcement of jail time has elevated the issue and created a reaction within the Australian Indian community,” Mr Canavan said.
He acknowledged to Sky News there would be risks associated with bringing Australians home from India but suggested such action would demonstrate true Australian spirit.
Australian government declares it “illegal” for citizens to return from India
Australia s Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, April 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
The edict is a blatant attack on democratic rights and condemns thousands to possible infection and even death. It has highlighted the absence of constitutional protections for key civil liberties, as well as the callous and nationalist response of the Australian ruling elite, and the major imperialist powers, to the humanitarian disaster unfolding in India and other impoverished countries that have become epicentres of the global pandemic.
The ban, which will remain in place until May 15 and could be extended further, is based on provisions in the Biosecurity Act. It grants the federal health minister draconian powers in the event of a health crisis. Penalties for defying the orders of the minister range from fines of up to $66,000 to five years’ imprisonment.
Is Australia’s India travel ban legal? A citizenship law expert explains May 4, 2021
There is a growing public and political outcry over the federal government’s sudden decision to ban Australians from coming home from India.
But as everyone from Indian community leaders to human rights leaders, famous cricketers and Coalition MPs calls on the government to rethink the policy, is it legal? Is a High Court challenge an option?
What is citizenship?
In terms of common law, citizenship is a relationship between an individual and their nation, where each owes fundamental obligations to the other. In broad terms, the citizen’s job is to be loyal to the nation. The nation’s job is to protect its citizens.
Is Australia s India travel ban legal? A citizenship law expert explains theconversation.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theconversation.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.