Stricken citizens should be rescued, not repudiated We’re sorry, this service is currently unavailable. Please try again later. Dismiss May 7, 2021 — 12.05am Normal text size Credit: What does it mean to be an Australian citizen? Evidently not much (“Government cannot treat citizens as pariahs”, May 6). The government has removed our right to return home if we are in India in real, present danger. The danger of spreading infection is the rationale. In fact, the danger of infection faced by our compatriots is not a reason to fend them off: it is the reason for their rescue. Throughout the 18th, 19th centuries and early 20th century immigrants on boats from the UK who stopped in pestilent ports on the way here were quarantined. Like the troops returning during the Spanish flu pandemic. The 1830 quarantine station in Sydney Harbour is the evidence of what our government refuses to do now: purpose build safe places to receive us when we come home. It is demanded by compassion and common sense. The government has chosen to leave them behind.