Gordon Thomson (Christmas Island politician)

Gordon Sinclair Thomson is a civic leader on the Australian external territory of Christmas Island. He is the current President of the Shire of Christmas Island, a role he has held since 2013. He previously served in the same position from 2003 to 2011. He is a member of the Australian Labor Party and has also served as the General Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers.^[1][2] He has been general secretary since at least December 2011, when he served in an acting capacity.^[3]

Political positions

Views on Australia

In a February 2020 interview with Guardian Australia, it was reported that Thomson had lived on Christmas Island for 22 years. He stated that the island was treated like a "colony", that it should be placed on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories, and that residents should pursue free association with Australia as an alternative to the island's current status.^[4] He stated that the local authorities of Christmas Island had not been consulated over moves by the federal government, which included Australians spending quarantine on Christmas Island during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[5][6] The island has also been a host for people processing or appealing deportation from Australia, and called the detention of the asylum seekers there like Guantanamo Bay.^[7]

Views on immigration

He has criticized deporting people who've served prison sentences in Australia but aren't citizens.^[7] He also stated that people with the right to reside and work in Australia should be treated the same as formal citizens.^[7]

Views on tourism

He has warned against relying too heavily on tourism, preferring that Christmas Island be used for productive purposes.^[8] He highlighted a sustainable farm, and said that jobs needed to be created to incentivize people to stay on the island.^[8]