Budget to use as a smokescreen for the passage of the migration law through the Senate?

While the Senate Subcommittee came out in favor of a heavily amended Migration Amendment Bill for 2024… it is not too late to reject the premise of the legislation or to craft a more coherent bill, whose broader implications are deliberate and more integrated , say proponents.

Refugee advocates are inviting senators to reject the bill for a second time and initiate a broader review of deportation powers in the broader context of all immigration law.

The budget should not be used as a smokescreen for the passage of a shoddy bill accompanied by a few haphazard amendments.

The entire matrix of legislation becomes increasingly patchwork and draconian as sweeping and discriminatory powers of deportation (affecting a single category of immigration) are passed.

More than 500 submissions to the Labour-dominated Senate inquiry opposed the bill. The Home Office submission itself provided the only significant support for the bill.

Dissenters within the survey included the Greens, independent Senator Pocock and even the Coalition.

“It is ironic but welcome that the coalition that stranded children on Nauru has suddenly raised concerns about minors,” said Jane Salmon, a longtime refugee advocate.

“However, they do this to appease the government, rather than coming up with coherent solutions to immigration dilemmas.

“While in power, the coalition has shown no respect for the human rights of minors,” refugee lawyer Jane Salmon noted. “The world is upside down, isn’t it!”

“Almost all deportations may affect children born here or abroad.”

“Ironically, the government is also importing traditions while denying refugee traditions here the right to work and contribute to the economy for 12 years.

“The contributions of refugees are overlooked.

“Australia has invested in the education of young students who find themselves in immigration limbo and who continue to be denied access to higher education and professions under this amendment.

“Many children of Iranian parents grew up with Western fashion, expressing themselves openly and having the opportunity to pursue higher education. Meanwhile, they have relatives who have been harassed, disappeared or executed in Iran. These children are actually terrified of the bill.

Abbas Ghezzy‘s father returned to Iran during Covid. Being stateless, he had no job or source of income during his stay in Australia. While here he had protested against Iran’s treatment of racial minorities in Canberra. On his return he was detained, beaten and has since disappeared. The family was warned to stop the demonstrations in Australia.

Abbas’ remaining family in Australia still do not have access to protection.

Abbas says he finds the bill “racist and discriminatory.”

(Contact Jane Salmon for interviewee details).

Communities are under pressure.

The ‘Golden Ticket’ or student migration level may be set too high, Salmon says, but it’s not refugees driving inflation or pushing Australians out of affordable housing.

The bill still does not provide solutions for the victims of the flawed and failed “Fast Track” process.

“It is important that the misconduct of a handful of neglected and now mentally ill and former detainees (few of whom are actually recognized as refugees) does NOT become a pretext for large-scale brutality. The media is still stereotyping and distorting issues related to the ASF-17 case.”

“Human rights are not promoted by this kind of blanket scapegoating or criminalization of stateless people or those legitimately seeking protection from Australia as refugees.”

A complete overhaul of Home Affairs is needed. Independent MP Kylea Tink again called for such a review at a Climate 200 fundraiser in the Bradfield electorate on Tuesday evening.

“Let’s make sure all the pieces of the immigration puzzle fit together,” Ms Salmon said.

Rallies on Saturday May 11:

• Sydney: RAC Sydney meeting at Sydney Town Hall at 12 noon. Facebook event.
• Brisbane: RAC Qld meeting at 10am at Reddacliff Place, 266 George Street. Facebook event.
• Melbourne: RAC Vic meeting at 2pm at the State Library. Facebook event.

Post views: 55

Related articles