May 2021 newsletter: We cannot be silent in the face of the Federal Government’s actions

I am becoming increasingly disturbed by the actions of our Government. In the past month, the Federal Government has continued to chip away at the human rights of refugees and people seeking asylum.

The latest budget found plenty of money to put more people seeking asylum in detention, including $464.7 million over two years for onshore immigration detention and the Christmas Island detention centre.

And yet there was no allocation of funds recognising that people seeking asylum need to have their basic needs met while they wait for protection.

Last week the Migration Amendment Bill was rushed through Parliament with bipartisan support. This bill increases the risk that refugees and others in need of protection will be detained indefinitely, without adequate judicial review.

The details of these laws are here.

It is part of an emerging pattern that seeks to exclude and punish people for exercising their right to seek asylum. We all need to be vigilant to ensure that people’s rights are upheld. There is an absence of debate and a lack of information about the contribution of migrants and refugees in this country.

We all need to keep these issues on the political agenda and social commentary. Please work with us to amplify these stories and challenge the lack of inclusion by writing to your politicians. Find out how.

Thank you for both your practical and your political support.

Warm regards

Frances Rush OAM
Chief Executive Officer

We are powered by volunteers

This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week and the hundreds of incredible volunteers who bring their skills, time and energy to every activity of the Asylum Seekers Centre. There is no one who can say better the impact of a volunteer than one of the people we support. Watch now.

Last tickets for Rosemary’s Way

Thursday 20 May: We have released a few last tickets to see the inspiring film Rosemary’s Way featuring ASC patron and Australian Local Hero of the Year, Rosemary Kariuki. Join Rosemary and director Ros Horin after the film for a Q&A.

Book tickets.

Book your speaker for Refugee Week

Refugee Week starts on 20 June 2021. Have you booked your community speaker yet to talk to your school, community group or workplace? Our speakers can share stories, data and bust some myths about seeking asylum in Australia.

Book here.