Refugee forum to ‘unwrap’ complex problem

Paul Crothers. Picture: Joe Mastroianni

People interested in the often vexed issue of Australia’s handling of asylum seekers are being invited to attend a forum in New Gisborne this Sunday.

Federal election candidates for the seat of McEwen will take part in a Q&A as part of the free event at Gisborne Church of Christ.

Minister and compere Paul Crothers said the forum, organised in the wake of a church member’s concerns about the tone and level of public debate, would look to ‘‘unwrap’’ the complex problem.

‘‘So often, it is very hard to make a decision based on the small sound bites we read and hear in the media,’’ he said.

‘‘We will be looking to explore the policies of the major parties in more detail.’’

Sunday’s event will include a performance by musician and refugee advocate Brad Coath.

The event will be at the church in Saunders Road, New Gisborne, from 10am. Details: 0438 043 834