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At just 25 years old, Quinton arrived alone in Australia after fleeing war and persecution in his home country. He spoke no English, knew nothing of Australian culture, or what he would face when he arrived. But he knew he had to go somewhere in order to survive.
“It’s hard. But I need to go somewhere to live…a safe place.”
The human cost of the ‘fast track’ system
In 2014, the Abbott government stacked the refugee system against people who arrived by sea in search of safety. This system, the inaptly-named ‘fast track’ process, has since failed thousands of people seeking asylum like Quinton, who has been waiting 12 years.
It has caused extended delays, led to incorrect decisions, seen refugees deported to countries where they face harm, and keeps many in a state of perpetual limbo.
For Quinton, this broken system means waiting—twelve years and counting—for a resolution to his claim for protection.
“When I come [to Australia] I didn’t expect this whole thing, for it to take time, to study everything, take time to understand everything and what’s going on. That was shocking.”
Frances Rush OAM, CEO of the Asylum Seekers Centre, adds, “The Australian Government’s lack of action over people failed by the so-called ‘Fast Track’ system has moved from concerning to intentionally cruel and callous. This Government has had more than two years to fix something they admit is broken.”
A broken system
Quinton’s lawyers said he has a strong case, but wondered why, in the paperwork with the government officer, he doesn’t talk about the true threat he faces in his home country.
“The officer doesn’t give me time to talk. I’m coming [on a] long journey. They can only make it [the appointment] for one hour.”
One hour to tell his story of trauma. One hour to recount his life, the loss of family members, and why he wants to live in Australia. One hour to plead his case.
“They would ask questions to me. I would answer and start to explain. Then they would say stop. No need to explain. Just yes or no.”
“They make us disappear.”
“Some of them [people seeking asylum], they give up because the fast track, they make you scared.”
This fear and dehumanisation is the reality faced by many people seeking safety in Australia under a broken system built to make people disappear. Their stories and lives – their trauma – condensed to answers of yes or no.
Mental health toll for people seeking asylum
The mental health toll caused by a broken system is enormous. Quinton contributes to society, pays taxes, is a Union member, and taught himself English, yet doubts and self-blame plague him.
“What have I done wrong? Why this come for me? You feel like you’re being punished.”
“I learn the way I have to live. But some people, they don’t have community support, other support. They have always the effect[ed] mindset from the war. Some of ’em, they don’t still come out from that.”
Since last year, the ASC has seen a 30 percent spike in people coming to the Centre and mental health is now a serious issue for most of whom we support.
The last safety net
The ASC provides life-changing services, from our health clinic, employment and training services, to crisis casework, family support, and more. In a world where people are let down and left out of the system, the ASC is often the only safety net of support.
“I have a free meal, food and then some activity [and] talk with people. Yesterday there was a very nice guy,” shares Quinton.
“And ASC [they] have a GP. I speak to the GP. Have my eye problem. I used to work on construction, so lots of dusty environments. So I now have eye drops.”
It is imperative the ASC can continue to provide the safety net the government fails to and advocate for people trapped in limbo.
Don’t let people like Quinton disappear in a broken system.
Save our safety net for people seeking asylum.
