MEDIA RELEASE: Work rights cuts risk harm

Mooted cuts to immigration and harsh restrictions on work rights for people seeking asylum are deeply troubling spectres raised in an ABC media report yesterday.

The reporting stems from news that Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has cancelled a high-profile appearance at the National Press Club where the changes were expected to be unveiled.

Josephine Rechichi, Chief Operating Officer at the Asylum Seekers Centre said:

“If confirmed, these proposals would be devastating for the rights and wellbeing of people seeking asylum in Australia. The goodwill shown towards people fleeing war and persecution during the early period of the Albanese Government appears to have faded.

“Any move to restrict the right to work will expose people seeking asylum to heightened risks of exploitation and even modern slavery, as they struggle to find alternative ways to earn enough to put food on the table.

“Once again, the Labor Government seems to be turning its back on Australia’s multicultural communities and on the immigration foundations that have shaped this nation. This is becoming a troubling pattern. We appeal to Minister Tony Burke to reconsider any measures contained in his postponed National Press Club speech, as these proposals would be profoundly damaging.”