To: The Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Tony Burke MP
Will you stand up for your neighbours who need certainty and stability to rebuild their lives?
Australians support each other in hard times and we are asking the Federal Government to play its part in creating a community where we are all respected.
We must act now in support of our neighbours, friends and local community members who urgently need certainty, stability and support to build their lives.
We call on the Federal Government to:
- Provide people with a valid visa with work, travel and study rights.
- Expand the support program eligibility criteria and simplify the application so that people in need can access health care, accommodation support and other essential services.
- Ensure an independent, timely and fair humanitarian application and review.
- Provide people refused protection under the ‘Fast Track’ system a fair review.
- Continue to clear the backlog of asylum applications and appeals.
- Abolish temporary visas and replace them with permanent protection pathways to citizenship for all humanitarian arrivals.
Why is this important?
Right now, Australia continues to deny a fast and fair process to thousands of men, women and children who seek refugee protection in our country. Many arrived in Australia over a decade ago, hoping for safety and a better future for their children.
This prevents people from gaining the stability that refugee status provides. The result is vulnerable people living on the edge for years.
Many people seeking asylum and living in the community are also denied access to basic support, including health care, accommodation, the opportunity to work and study, and crisis services.
This leaves individuals and families with nothing to survive on, except for unfunded support from charities and local governments who are stepping in to help.
The Federal Government has a responsibility to support people meet basic needs and live safely in Australia until their immigration status is resolved.
Will you add your name to the call urging Immigration Minister Tony Burke to meet people’s basic needs and offer the permanence they need to rebuild their lives in Australia?