Fight continues to support asylum seekers and restore rights

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre will redouble efforts to support asylum seekers affected by new migration laws and hold the Abbott Government to account on the commitments it made to get the laws through the Senate, CEO Kon Karapanagiotidis said today.

“Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison have dealt a cruel blow to the human rights of asylum seekers and refugees, but have done so with very, very reluctant support from the Senate,” Mr Karapanagiotidis said.

“There are good people on the cross-bench who were subject to abhorrent bullying and coercion by Mr Morrison to get this Bill through.

“Thousands of people raised their voices against these cruel laws and they were heard throughout the politicians’ offices right across the country.

“Thank you to the many Australians who stood up against these laws.

“In the end, it came down to just one vote in the Senate, because of this incredible show of people power.

“Politicians of all persuasions now know the full extent of people’s disgust and anger at the way our Government is treating asylum seekers and refugees.

“As well as hearing from thousands of Australians, Senators and MPs clearly heard about the impact these laws will have from many organisations in the refugee sector, as well as faith-based and civil society groups.

“Together we have put these issues well and truly on the agenda.  It’s clear the community cares and are ready to stand up to be heard and take action.

“Today is not a dead-end – it’s a turning point.  This defeat will only make us stronger and our voices louder.

“This secretive Abbott Government is now subject to the watchful eyes of thousands of informed Australians and a sector already mobilising to defend refugees from these laws.”

Mr Karapanagiotidis said the organisation was already preparing for the laws’ impacts on 30,000 asylum seekers and refugees.

“From today we will be working with our sector partners to:

• Provide asylum seekers with the best advice and support possible for when they go  through the Minister’s fast-track determination process;
• Prevent the wrongful removal of refugees;
• Strategically challenge these laws through the courts;
• Keep watch that the Minister lives up to his commitment to immediately give people Bridging Visas with full work rights while they wait for their application to be heard; and
• Ensuring children are taken off Christmas Island before Christmas.

“We will also do all we can to support people in any other way they need – our foodbank, material aid, accommodation, education, employment, counselling and health services stand ready to help people as they wait for their claims to be heard.

“This may be a difficult time for asylum seeker and refugee rights in this country, but, standing together we will do all we can to support and protect.”

Media enquiries: Mary Fall 0407 683 664