On Tuesday the Salvation Army released its latest report on poverty in Australia: Perceptions of Poverty, an Insight into the Nature and Impact of Poverty in Australia. The statistics are alarming. – Over two million Australians, or 1 in 10, do not have an acceptable standard of living and go without the bare necessities. –
Read more
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) welcomes the Government’s announcement today of plans to release the majority of unaccompanied children and families deemed to be ‘at risk’ from detention into the community by June 2011. The release of some children and families will make a significant positive difference to their welfare. However, there are many
Read more
As of 14th October 2010 there are 723 children in detention in Australia. These children range in age from newborn to 18 years of age, including three babies who were born in detention. Children are some of the most vulnerable people in our community. How we treat children shapes their future, impacts what sort of
Read more
Last week Immigration Minister Chris Bowen announced the immediate lifting of the six month freeze imposed in April on the processing of Afghan asylum seekers. The decision was cautiously welcomed by UNHCR and other refugee advocates, yet they also warned against praising the government for ending a policy that should not have been introduced in
Read more
Julia Gillard’s devotion to the establishment of a regional refugee processing centre in East Timor appears unwavering. Last week she reiterated her commitment to the proposal in discussions with East Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. The proposal stands as the centrepiece of the Government’s border protection policy – a policy focused on stemming the influx
Read more
