Into the danger zone
Spida heads to heart of refugee issue
A LOCAL radio star is among a group of well-known Australians who will be plunged into dangerous and remote areas so they can report on refugees live in an upcoming television special.
Peter “Spida’’ Everitt, former AFL player and breakfast announcer for Gold FM, will feature on the SBS show Go Back To Where You Came From Live, in which Australians will be placed on the front line in some of the worst parts of the planet to tell refugee stories in real time.
Everitt and comedian Meshel Laurie will head to Africa, but the exact location cannot be revealed to protect their security.
Everitt said he has a tough stance on refugees who live in Australia but decided to go on the show to educate himself.
“I don’t want to be one of those people that has these really strong views as I sit on the couch and not really know anything about the topic,” he said.
“So the biggest reason I’m doing it is to educate myself and then I can use the experience to show others who are in a similar position. And I think that’s why the live aspect will make it all the more impactful because there’s no tricky editing or scripting.”
While Everitt’s goal is to gain a better understanding of what he calls a “humanitarian crisis”, he already has strong beliefs that there is a right and a wrong way to immigrate.
He cited reports of African gang violence in Melbourne as a current problem.
“I’m not against immigration at all and I believe people should have the opportunity to get out of their tough situations, but I think it needs to be done the right way,” he said.
“When they come here, through the appropriate channels, they need to contribute to society and get involved with the community.
“The African violence in Melbourne is a good example of something I don’t agree with. I don’t think our government and taxpayers should be supporting people who aren’t doing the right thing.
“I’m not too worried about how I come across because as long as I believe in what I’m saying, that’s all that matters.”
Everitt’s partner for the program is Ms Laurie, who believes Australia should show more sympathy to refugees.
The pair have been partnered to reflect both sides of the conversation.
“I know Meshel is quite a bit more lenient than I am and that’s OK, that’s what makes the show so good,” he said.
“It will be a divisive show but each pair will have both sides of the argument represented. And it will get people talking and help educate people on the topic.”
IT WILL BE A DIVISIVE SHOW BUT EACH PAIR WILL HAVE BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT REPRESENTED.
GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM LIVE AIRS ON SBS AT 8.30PM OVER THREE NIGHTS, FROM OCTOBER 2-4