Refugee and refugee support groups Australia-wide are deeply concerned about the extremely damaging implications of Australia’s new migration laws which are founded on principles of punishment rather than human rights protection.

The new migration laws passed last week provide government with significant powers which are out of step with Australia’s human rights obligations, principles of fairness, and with the community spirit of welcome and compassion.

Grassroots refugee support organisations representing hundreds of communities and thousands of supporters across Australia have expressed dismay at the Labor Government’s unnecessary cruelty, demonstrating a cavernous disconnect between policy direction and the Australian spirit of compassion and welcome.

Advocates point to fundamental concerns about:

– Forcibly removing people to third countries where people’s safety and rights cannot be guaranteed

– Powers to compel people to cooperate with their own removal or face criminal charges or possible detention

– The separation of families, including potentially separating parents from children born here in Australia

– The reduction of refugee rights and liberties in immigration detention centres, including the banning of mobile phones and expanding the use of strip searches

– Overturning of people’s refugee protection findings.

The government has said that the new powers are only intended to apply to around 200 people who have had visas cancelled because they have served time in prison. However, because the legislation makes it possible for the government of the day to change visas status on other grounds, many others could become subjected to the new laws.

Paul Dalzell, President,........

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