To: The Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Tony Burke MP
Stand up for our 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 are calling 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 people who are seeking asylum in our country. Many have been in limbo for over a decade.
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 healthcare, housing, education, emergency relief and disability support.
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 status is resolved.
Thank you for your compassion and support.
Sign the petition: Stand up for our neighbours, friends and local communities | Megaphone