New Bill destines refugees to life in limbo and undermines fair process

A Bill introduced into Federal Parliament today by Immigration Minister Scott Morrison seeks to reintroduce temporary protection visas and severely curtails fairness in the refugee process.

Acting CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), Serina McDuff, said this latest attempt by the Minister to bring back temporary protection is a desperate deal with the cross-bench that trades with people’s lives.

Temporary Protection

“Our members who were placed on TPVs when they were first introduced speak of the mental anguish caused by living in limbo and the trauma of not being able to reunite with their families. We know this is a failed approach.”

When TPV’s were last implemented, more than 90 per cent of TPV holders were granted permanent protection, proving that the vast majority of asylum seekers coming to Australia need long-term protection.

“If someone is in need of protection, it should be granted permanently, enabling them to swiftly settle in the Australian community. The Government and minor parties have no place trading away people’s right to proper protection,” said Ms McDuff.

“Trauma will be compounded by the crushing anxiety of uncertainty and people will be unable to move on with their lives. Clive Palmer claims to be for families, well this is a tragic outcome, as once again families will be separated,” said Ms McDuff.

Fast Track Processing

The Bill also seeks to undermine our fair and robust refugee determination process.

“The Minister wants to reduce life and death decisions to a rushed, cursory assessment. This is unjust and irresponsible. The risk of returning refugees to harm or even death will be significant,” said Ms McDuff.

Media Contact: Serina McDuff – 0451 411 479