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Migration Action
May 20, 2005 · Print This Article
Dear Friends,
Today, the Uniting Church has issued a press release responding to the Private Members Bills from Petro Georgiou MP proposing amendments to the Migration Act regarding mandatory detention and permanent protection.
(see ‘Migration Act - Press Release’)
UnitingJustice Australia is calling on all members of the Uniting Church to contact their local federal MPs urging them to support these Bills.
The Mandatory Detention Bill seeks to implement a system of judicial review for people held in detention for longer than 90 days. Unless a case is made for continued detention, after 90 days people would be released on a bridging visa with rights while their case is determined. The same would apply to people whose applications have been unsuccessful but who cannot be returned home. In effect, these proposals would end the system of indefinite, unreviewable detention. In the case of children, the Bill specifies that detention is to be a measure of last resort.
The Act of Compassion Bill seeks to institute a position of Judicial Assessor to independently assess the cases of people who have been in detention for longer than 12 months and all children and their families currently in detention for release on a bridging visa with rights. It also proposes that permanent residence be offered to all temporary protection visa holders (unconditional) and all people who cannot be returned home (provided some conditions have been met).
These prospoals for change to the Migration Act 1958 mark the most positive step we have seen towards a just and fair policy from either side of politics.
PLEASE CONSIDER CONTACTING YOUR LOCAL FEDERAL MEMBER (ESPECIALLY, BUT NOT ONLY, COALITION MEMBERS) BY PHONE, EMAIL, MAIL OR FAX URGING THEM TO SUPPORT THESE BILLS.
While some aspects of these proposed changes do not go as far as we would like, at this point in time, they are the best hope for asylum seekers and refugees who still face the daily abuse of an unjust system.
Please forward this request to as many people as you can.
Many thanks in anticipation of your support.
Rev. Elenie Poulos
National Director
UnitingJustice Australia
UnitingJustice Australia is calling on all members of the Uniting Church to contact their local federal MPs urging them to support these Bills.
The Mandatory Detention Bill seeks to implement a system of judicial review for people held in detention for longer than 90 days. Unless a case is made for continued detention, after 90 days people would be released on a bridging visa with rights while their case is determined. The same would apply to people whose applications have been unsuccessful but who cannot be returned home. In effect, these proposals would end the system of indefinite, unreviewable detention. In the case of children, the Bill specifies that detention is to be a measure of last resort.
The Act of Compassion Bill seeks to institute a position of Judicial Assessor to independently assess the cases of people who have been in detention for longer than 12 months and all children and their families currently in detention for release on a bridging visa with rights. It also proposes that permanent residence be offered to all temporary protection visa holders (unconditional) and all people who cannot be returned home (provided some conditions have been met).
These prospoals for change to the Migration Act 1958 mark the most positive step we have seen towards a just and fair policy from either side of politics.
PLEASE CONSIDER CONTACTING YOUR LOCAL FEDERAL MEMBER (ESPECIALLY, BUT NOT ONLY, COALITION MEMBERS) BY PHONE, EMAIL, MAIL OR FAX URGING THEM TO SUPPORT THESE BILLS.
While some aspects of these proposed changes do not go as far as we would like, at this point in time, they are the best hope for asylum seekers and refugees who still face the daily abuse of an unjust system.
Please forward this request to as many people as you can.
Many thanks in anticipation of your support.
Rev. Elenie Poulos
National Director
UnitingJustice Australia
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Comment on ‘ Migration Act - Action’
re: Migration Act - Action
Posted by Jason on 2005-05-31 00:49:07
This is a step in the right direction, however is nowhere near good enough. Petro Georgiou has done well to initiate the change though it would have been better for the Govt to initiate it rather than by a private member bill. The fact is that 90 days in detention is a very long time before something is done and is not as compassionate as one would think. In Sweden the average stay is 47 days, and children are detained for only 3 days. The act still states that children may be detained as a last resort. I will be interested to see how far the Govt will go until they reach the last resort.
The detention policy still does not make economic sense coming from an economic rationalist govt as it is extremely expensive compared to parole, home detention or hostel detention. The change to the TPV is extremely welcome and will mean more stability for those who have already suffered persecution.
I will be watching closely to see if it passes, i would be surprised if it does so in its present form, however would be smiling if it did. I will be writing for sure. If you need your members email address go here
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/Email.asp
If the act does pass in some shape or form, it is important to remember that this is not the end but only a small victory for our neighbours, yet still a step in the right direction.