PORT Stephens and Newcastle councils, along with state and federal governments, should prepare to contribute to the arrival of the refugee quota with appropriate accommodation as well as health, education and language services.
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Australia did have a tradition of welcoming refugees because I am the eldest son of a working-class family from the north-east of England.
In 1952 we were economic refugees from the depressing British aftermath of WWII.
We were BOAT people. It cost us only £10 to come - but we were the right colour; pallid white in the winter and bright red in the Australian summer.
We spoke the right language - English with Geordie overtones and we were the right religion (lapsed Anglican).
I married locally and our two sons are university graduates and students.
My Australian-born wife and I have each contributed 45 years-plus of taxes to the economy.
I know I came to a better place and remain eternally grateful for that chance.
Surely the 12,000 Middle Eastern refugees deserve the same chance?
Australia is a nation created by economic migrants and refugees. Our parents and forebears knew the grim realities of war, want and dictatorship yet we have allowed this current crop of politicians to appeal to the fearful, the greedy and selfish sides of our nature and make us resent these needy and desperate people.
Arthur Tupman
Salt Ash
