After a number of decades of unconscionable refugee policy in Australia, we welcome the Federal Government’s plan to end temporary protection visas and convert those visas into permanent visas. This change will put an end to the uncertainty facing refugees and enable them to finally call Australia home.
Perhaps most importantly, the Government’s new plans will also open pathways for families to be reunited by permitting the sponsorship of family members of refugees in Australia, many of whom still face serious humanitarian problems in various parts of the world.
There are still thousands of people seeking asylum on bridging visas who will not benefit from these changes
Refugees and people seeking asylum are also still in limbo in Nauru and PNG as part of the Australian Government’s offshore processing policy. The Greens have proposed legislation to bring those left in PNG and Nauru to Australia. The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has welcomed the Government’s plans and the Greens proposal and have asked Australians to make contact with the Government and their local MPs and Senators to show their support.
You can find out more about the RCOA’s position at:
https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/
You can find contact details for all MPs and Senators at:
https://www.aph.gov.au/