REFUGEES SHOULD BE GIVEN A FAIR GO TO SETTLE PERMANENTLY

Cross-bench Senators have the opportunity to deliver a common sense, fair approach to processing the refugee claims of the almost 30,000 asylum seekers living in Australia, by voting against the Government’s plan to reintroduce Temporary Protection Visas.

“Offering refugees temporary protection only is unfair and destabilising, because it denies them the opportunity to settle properly into Australian life,” Acting CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Serina McDuff said today.

“TPV holders need to reprove their refugee status every three years, forcing them to live in anxious uncertainty.  This is no good for them and no good for the community.

“When John Howard introduced TPVs from 1999 to 2008, they caused refugees serious mental health issues because of this uncertainty and fear for their future safety.

“They found it difficult to find stable employment and lived with constant heartache because they weren’t allowed to bring their partners and children to Australia and were banned from travelling overseas to see them.  This made it extremely hard for them to settle into the community.

“We have a robust refugee determination process that is well able to decide if someone is a refugee or not. We should allow people the opportunity to go through this process. Those found to be refugees can then build their lives in Australia, while those not in need of protection can depart.”

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

The Government’s own expert panel on asylum seekers noted that: ‘More of the world’s refugees are in protracted exile than ever before, and for longer periods.’

“All the evidence points to the fact that the vast majority of refugees deserve permanent protection. Why force them to relive their experiences of persecution every three years?”

The ASRC is calling on Australians to send a message to the Senate to VOTE NO TO TPVs and instead support a common sense and fair approach to processing and settling refugees.

Go here to find out how to write to a Senator today: www.asrc.org.au/news/latest-campaigns/stop-temporary-protection-visas/

Media enquiries:  Mary Fall 0407 683 664