A warning for activists

Bill Andersen is President of the National Distribution Union 
in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and has been travelling freely in and 
out of Australia for many years. He always filled in the 
Australian immigration authorities' card with a "yes" where it 
asked if there were any court convictions. They were mainly 
associated with picket line activities — that is, doing his job 
as a trade union official.

On a visit earlier this year, he was told that in future he would 
need a visa prior to travelling — not normally a requirement for 
New Zealanders.

So, more than a month before his next visit he started the 
necessary procedures. He was due to fly out on Monday November 
24. On the Thursday before (with only two working days to go), 
the Australian consulate informed him that to get a visa takes 
two months!

Mr Andersen contacted his local MP Phil Goff, who immediately 
wrote to the Australian High Commissioner in Wellington.

"Mr Andersen is required to apply for a visa because over the 
years he has incurred a number of convictions arising 
predominantly from picket line incidents in his role as union 
organiser", wrote Mr Goff.

"Mr Andersen, who is in his late 70s, is due to appear in the 
Auckland District Court on 10 December 2003 on an obstruction 
charge.

"Mr Andersen's convictions have arisen in an industrial relations 
context and despite the length of the list, I am happy to write 
in support of his application for a short-term visa."

Following that letter the Australian authorities managed to grant 
the visa in time for his trip.

At Sydney airport the immigration authorities told him, "sit over 
there", where they left him for five minutes, without 
explanation, and then let him through.

According to the Department of Immigration's website, there is no 
requirement for New Zealand citizens to apply for a visa before 
visiting Australia. Their passports are verified electronically 
as they enter Australia.

And even for people who are required to obtain a visa, Mr 
Andersen should not have any difficulties — unless in the 
assessment of the Director-General of ASIO, his visit to 
Australia would "place the national security of Australia at 
risk".

Is Bill Andersen such a security risk?

His experience should serve as a warning to all trade unionists, 
communists, environmentalists, peace and other activists who dare 
to question or challenge the political direction of developments 
in Australia. It is these activists, the people who in some way 
or other challenge the system or status quo, who are the real 
target of the ASIO and the draconian laws introduced under cover 
of "anti-terrorist" measures.