The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia has urged the Australian Government to stop punishing asylum seekers. “We appreciate that the Australian Government has a responsibility to protect our borders,” said Chief Executive, Dr John Falzon.  “But this does not give it the license to punish innocent people who are legitimately seeking a place of safety in our country… Both Government and Opposition persist in treating asylum seekers as if they are to be blamed for needing to flee their countries.