November 2024 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why it’s important to write about this issue

Human rights issues arise in situations of power imbalance.

Respecting human rights enables people to enjoy their life, free from any unnecessary mental or physical suffering caused by other people who have power over them. All those in power need to assess the human impact of proposed laws, policies and procedures before implementing them.

The Albanese Government has consulted on the proposal to introduce a Human Rights Framework.    After considering 335 public submissions and 4135 letters this year, the joint parliamentary committee strongly endorsed the Commission’s reform proposals.  We are encouraging you to write to remind the government that there is strong support for a Human Rights Act to ensure that human rights are upheld in Australian society.  

Write to all federal parliamentarians – it is time for Australia to have a federal Human Rights Act.

October 2024 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why it’s important to write about this issue (again)

This topic has been covered in a recent kit, but the situation has become more dire with the eviction notices. We want to make sure that the Government gets the message loud and clear. The forgotten refugees in PNG are Australia’s responsibility

In July 2024, the Albanese Government was apparently preparing to negotiate a financial agreement with the PNG Government to support asylum seekers after PNG threatened to send them back to Australia. It is not known whether this deal was finalized and since the change of cabinet portfolios no further light has been thrown on this situation. In fact, according to a recent communique from the Home Office, “The Australian Government does not have any role in the ongoing management of, or service delivery arrangements for, individual remaining in PNG”

Six families were served an eviction notice on 12 September. This eviction notice follows a gradual withdrawal of other services such as health care, case management, security and transport

We need to write urgently and now – to demand an explanation and more importantly, to keep up the pressure to bring them to Australia for medical treatment, to await resettlement in a third country or to provide a pathway to permanency here. The irony is that most of these people have been deemed bona fide refugees.

AUSTRALIA HAS DONE NOTHING IN THE FACE OF THIS SUFFERING. AUSTRALIA INCARCERATED THESE PEOPLE WHEN THEY CAME TO US FOR HELP. THEY ARE STILL AUSTRALIA’S RESPONSIBILITY.

September 2024 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue (again) - and now:

You may have heard about the protests by refugees in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and now also in Adelaide and Perth.  The request is to write to express solidarity with the hundreds of people who are protesting 24/7 to draw attention to the unfairness of the Fast Track process and calling for Permanent Visas.   Over 8,000 people have had their claims for protection rejected under the fast-track assessment process. They have been living here in our communities on short term bridging visas, with limited or no rights to work, education or financial support.

Crossbenchers have written to the Minister – see  Letter to the Minister signed by 25 crossbenchers:   “ We call on our government to rise above the politics of fear and provide a clear and timely pathway to permanency for all of those who were failed by the Fast Track system by providing them with permanent residency or implementing an expedited re-application process.”

There is mounting pressure on the government – ADD your voice now!  Let the Minister know you support the call for permanent visas.

August 2024 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on these TWO issues immediately:

1. People denied refugee protection under the Fast Track process are holding 24/7 protests in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – we need to let the Minister know we support their call for permanent visas.  Over 8,000 people have had their claims for protection rejected under the fast-track assessment process. They have been living here in our communities on short term bridging visas, with limited or no rights to work, education or financial support.

2. In Port Moresby:    Approximately 50 refugees and asylum seekers are still trapped in PNG. These men are the responsibility of the Australian Government which transported them there 11 years ago. Many are seriously ill, and do not have access to adequate medical care.   Please write to the Minister calling for urgent medical evaluation.  See sample letters below.  

July 2024 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue immediately:

After 11 long years, the punitive consequences of the July 2013 change to refugee policy are still being felt.

• Approximately 50 refugees and asylum seekers are still trapped in PNG. These men are the responsibility of the Australian Government which transported them there. Australia has abandoned these men, and since Nov 2023, the men have been denied basic support food and medical treatment.

• The remaining refugees on Nauru were brought to Australia in September 2023, but since then people intercepted on boats north of Australia have been taken to Nauru. There are reportedly 100 people detained on Nauru now. Detainees on Nauru report conditions to be much the same as during the “bad” old days: difficulty accessing medical care and other services; uncertainty and hopelessness due to lack of information about what’s to happen to them.

• Approximately one thousand people previously held in PNG or Nauru who were brought to Australia for medical treatment are living in the Australian community on insecure bridging visas.  They are denied permanent protection and have limited rights to work, education and health care.

May 2024 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue immediately:

The Government looks set to try to pass the Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill 2024.

A Senate Inquiry has recommended that this atrocious Bill be passed, in spite of strong opposition from human rights organisations, legal and community advocates, and refugee and migrant communities.

The Bill could be passed into law in the next Parliamentary sitting - as soon as 14 May, but it is also possible the Opposition will demand a raft of amendments.

Send a message to MPs and Senators … Uphold Human Rights and Oppose the Bill. Refugees must NOT be used for wedge politics and political point scoring. 

April 2024 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

The Australian High Court’s November 2023 ruling on the indefinite detention of people awaiting deportation resulted in the release of 149 people from immigration detention. The Albanese Government has created unwarranted public fear and hysteria by reinforcing the Coalition’s false claims that the released detainees are all ‘hardened criminals’, and pose a grave threat to community safety.

The Government’s response to the High Court decision has been to introduce 3 pieces of rushed and ill-considered legislation, aiming to give the government the means to circumvent the High Court decision. This series of legislation imposes unfair punitive conditions on people who are released from immigration detention as a consequence of this High Court ruling, and gives extraordinary unfettered power to the immigration minister.

None of the people subject to this legislation were serving a criminal sentence when they were released. They were released from immigration detention, which is meant to be for administrative purposes only. Those who had been convicted of crimes in the past had already served their court-imposed sentences, and were subsequently taken into immigration detention awaiting deportation.

We must send a message to government, and especially our local Labor MPs and Senators that voters expect Parliament to deliver sound, fair and effective policy and legislation. Good governance must take priority over political point scoring. 

March 2024 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

Both the recently published Richardson Review and the latest maritime arrivals on the Western Australia shore are topics in Australia’s mainstream news right now. Of the former, little has been said, at least by the Opposition.

Of the latter, there is the usual hysteria and overblown rhetoric with the Opposition politicising the news to cast doubt on Labor’s ability to protect Australia’s borders.

Neither major political party has said a word about the human rights, refugee policies or the humanity of those seeking help, against all odds, from a known hostile State. Neither party has said anything about the conditions driving people to take these desperate measures.

Australia’s recent history of offshore detention and processing is harsh and cruel and has drawn endless censure.

It has also been corrupt and hugely expensive - both in terms of dollars and lives.

And yet - here we go again.  Except now it is Labor in Government, and instead of calling for transparency, the Labor Government is emulating the secretive policies of their predecessors.

Given what we now know about 10 years of corruption, lack of transparency and human misery - WE NEED A ROYAL COMMISSION INTO OFFSHORE DETENTION. All the independent members of the House of Representatives jointly issued a call for a Royal Commission on Tuesday 1 August 2023.

January 2024 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

Since our October Letter Kit, things have become much worse.  Port Moresby is one of the most dangerous cities in the world.  In the riots in mid-January, businesses were destroyed and 16 people were killed.  There are still around 50 refugees and people seeking asylum in Port Moresby who are vulnerable and at risk.

·       On 22 November 2023, the refugees and people seeking asylum in PNG received a letter advising their weekly allowance to buy food and pay for electricity, medications, medical expenses etc was being cut off.  Since then these people have been surviving on money raised by concerned Australians.

·       These people are only surviving because people are fundraising in Australia to help provide a bare minimum of support – this cannot continue indefinitely.

·       Several young men are in such serious mental health crisis with paranoia, they are not eating, and not listening to friends or allowing anyone to help them.  We fear for their lives.

·       Many of the remaining men have severe medical or physical conditions, or both, preventing them from working and supporting themselves.  Free health services are not available. 

·       Some of the men have partnered with local women and have children also now at risk of destitution.

·       Media reports in July 2023 revealed rorts and significant corruption associated with Australian funding provided to support offshore arrangements in PNG and Nauru, and the Albanese government committed to setting up a Parliamentary Inquiry, but there has been no progress on this.

·       The Australian Government says that the welfare of the refugees and people seeking asylum is the responsibility of  the PNG Government, but Australia is ultimately responsible for these people. They MUST be brought to safety in Australia immediately.

November 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

The Albanese Government recently announced plans for reforming Australia’s visa system in order to prevent exploitation and to ensure that the system serves the needs of those most in need of protection.

 We need clarification about what pathways to resettlement are being offered to nearly 8,000 people who have insecure visa status because their claims for protection were rejected under the Fast Track system.

 For more than 10 years they have been in limbo, with no secure visa status and no permanent resettlement solution. Trapped in this state of uncertainty and with limited rights, many of these people are unable to support themselves and their families. Anxiety and depression are common, and people are at risk of suicide.

October 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue: Crisis situation for refugees in PNG – bring them to safety NOW

•  The situation is urgent - the refugees and people seeking asylum in PNG are being evicted from accommodation right now. Their essential services are also being cut off.  Port Moresby is one of the most dangerous cities in the world – these men are vulnerable and at risk.

• It is understood that Australia is still funding the PNG Government, but the service providers state they have not been paid for over 12 months.

• Where is the money?  Media reports in July 2023 revealed rorts and significant corruption associated with Australian funding provided to support offshore detention in PNG and Nauru, and the Albanese government committed to setting up a Parliamentary Inquiry.

• Australia is ultimately responsible for these people. They MUST be brought to safety in Australia immediately

• Now we are asking ALP politicians to make good on their commitments at the Conference. 

• PM Albanese describes his government as a government of action, one that wants to make a difference.

• At the ALP Conference there was a commitment to a number of changes, but there are no timeframes at this stage. It’s important that we demand swift action. 

September 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

·       The 2023 ALP Conference is over.

·       Now we are asking ALP politicians to make good on their commitments at the Conference. 

·       PM Albanese describes his government as a government of action, one that wants to make a difference.

·       At the Conference there was a commitment to a number of changes, but there are no timeframes at this stage. It’s important that we demand swift action. 

August 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

We are asking people to write to ALP politicians before the ALP Conference to make sure they know that we expect this government to make good on its promise to change the tone of politics and to deliver fair and humane refugee policy.

From 17-19 August the ALP is holding its bi-annual National Conference, the Labor Party’s highest decision-making forum, in Brisbane. The ALP was elected to government in May 2022 with a substantial policy platform, including promised changes to the treatment of refugees and people seeking asylum. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has committed to implementing that platform.

 PM Albanese describes his government as a government of action, one that wants to make a difference. Thus far, indications from this government are of good intentions, but real changes so far have been slow coming and somewhat minimal. Progress is slow.

July 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

Ten years on, thousands of people are still in limbo, having endured years of trauma in offshore detention in Papua New Guinea and Nauru, and ongoing uncertainty as they are denied permanent resettlement in Australia. Even though refugees have been removed from Nauru in June, they continue to live with the uncertainty of not having permanent residence and a settled future.

June 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

Though the Government “aspires” to increase the humanitarian intake, we are yet to see even the low quota of 13,750 places filled, let alone an increase to the proposed 27,000. Amnesty suggests 30,000 places would be a better target. 

May 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

The Fast Track Assessment Process for determining refugee status, introduced in 2014, drastically changed the refugee determination process, removing a fair review process. It was introduced to deter people from seeking asylum in Australia. 

April 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

The Australian government acknowledges that a number of asylum seekers and refugees have been stranded offshore in PNG and Nauru far longer than can reasonably be expected.

 As of 14/02/2023, people seeking asylum and refugees have been kept offshore for 3,500 days.

 ●       In September 2021, the Minister for Home Affairs signed a new deal with Nauru to keep an ongoing form of asylum seeker processing centre on the island.

●       On 6 October 2021, the Australian Government passed responsibility for the remaining 124 men on PNG to the PNG Government.

 ●       There have been 14 deaths from offshore detention Australia is responsible for. Another death now would be a preventable death.

 A recent Senate Inquiry recognised that this has resulted in significant personal costs, including physical and mental health costs, that cannot be allowed to continue, and urged the government to urgently consider all available options to remove asylum seekers and refugees from PNG and Nauru.

The Australian government, while affirming its commitment to deterring dangerous boat journeys, has also affirmed that unauthorised maritime arrivals should only be detained offshore for ‘a very short period of time until a third-country settlement arrangement can be put in place’.
Resettlement Options

 ·       Some of the men are waiting for resettlement in Canada or NZ - they may be still facing years of waiting.

·       Approx 75 of the men in PNG and Nauru have no resettlement pathways - they cannot be resettled in PNG or on Nauru - they have no hope for the future - they have no pathway to safe resettlement

·       13 men in PNG are too unwell to engage in any process for resettlement, and most are isolating themselves and not communicating with others.

 Financial Costs

 ·       The Australian government has spent billions keeping these men on Nauru and PNG - depriving them of hope - now their situation is desperate - we have robbed them of their youth / wasted lives

·       The Albanese government has just contracted a company that operates US prisons to maintain the arrangements on Nauru - at a cost of $$420m for 3 years  

March 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

1.       An increase in Australia’s Humanitarian Intake is urgently needed.
The numbers of displaced people currently seeking refuge are increasing. The crises that are taking place in countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, and central and sub-Sahara Africa have resulted in more than 100 million people currently displaced around the world. That means that one in every 78 people on earth has been forced to flee their homes.

 Despite this harrowing reality, in 2020, the previous Australian Government cut 5,000 places from Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program – bringing Australia’s official intake to just 13,750 places annually. This is one of the lowest levels in 45 years, during a time when the need for resettlement has never been greater.

 2.       The next Federal Budget is due in May 2023

When refugees are brought to Australia under the Humanitarian Intake, costs are incurred by the government and must therefore be included in the Federal Budget.

February 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

Although the Albanese Government announced on 13 February  that refugees who have TPVs and SHEVs will have a pathway to permanency, advocates including the Refugee Council of Australia, have expressed concern that no decision has been made about a further 12,000 people in the “legacy caseload” who remain on bridging visas.

 Under the so called Fast Track system, most people seeking asylum wait years for their application for refugee protection to be processed. Bridging visas do not provide the right to study or access to Centrelink support. Some people on Bridging Visas, including those who are in an appeals process may be denied the right to work.

Many are haunted by poverty, and past and present trauma. There is the constant fear of deportation if Bridging Visas expires, or if people are refused refugees status, even though the assessment and appeals processes are deeply flawed and unfair.

January 2023 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue:

• As of December 2022, around 80 refugees and people seeking asylum were still on Nauru, and around 90 in PNG.  

• While some of these people are being considered for resettlement in either Canada or New Zealand, but some have no pathway to safe resettlement.

December 2022 - Letter-Writing Kit

Why we think it is important to write letters on this issue

There is an urgent need to restore a basic financial safety for people on bridging visas who are living in the Australian community.

 People on bridging visas are currently denied access to most of Australia’s social safety net, receiving little or no financial or housing support. Some people on bridging visas are also denied the right to work. Consequently, many thousands are living in poverty and destitution; many are homeless.

Also – you can find CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR POLITICIANS to print and post, and also an e-card at  https://aran.net.au/resources/letter-writing/#xmaspostcards

November 2022 - Letter-Writing Kit

October 2022 - Letter-Writing Kit

WHY THIS ISSUE IS IMPORTANT

 ·        Unfair, inconsistent visa conditions mean that many people are being denied the right to work while living as part of our community while they wait, often for years, to have their protection applications assessed.

·        People who do not have the right to work, no access to income support, and no access Medicare, are entirely dependent on charity. This deprives them of the dignity of supporting themselves and their families, and the hope for a secure future.

·        Thousands of people seeking asylum either do not have any type of visa, so are unable to work legally, or have the type of Bridging Visas which does not allow them to work. 

 See the LETTER WRITING KITS FOR background and suggestions for emails and a sample letter to the Minister for Home Affairs and the Minister for Immigration to ask for urgent action on this issue:

September 2022 - Letter-Writing Kit

August 2022 - Letter-Writing Kit

July 2022 - Letter-Writing Kit

June 2022 - Letter-Writing Kit

May 2022 - Letter-Writing Kit

April 2022 - Letter-Writing Kit