Media Release - 14 July 2004
Australian Churches have received the recent Federal Government's announcement about TPV holders with cautious optimism. They welcome any policy change that helps relieve the suffering of refugee and asylum seekers. They are concerned, however, that whatever their motivation these changes do not go far enough, and that Australia will continue to treat people who are not criminals as though they were.
"It's good news that TPV holders can apply for migration visas and be granted 18-month ‘return-pending visas' if they have no further need of protection," said the Rev John Henderson, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCCA). "We hope that the government will continue to adjust its policies to deal more humanely with people who arrive here seeking sanctuary. Building relationships of trust in our region and with the global community will do as much, if not more, to make Australia secure than building ever stronger fences to keep people out," he said.
Leaders of the NCCA's 15 member churches heard news of the Minister's announcement while they met in Adelaide for the Council's triennial National Forum.
"We accept that the government has the responsibility to manage Australia's migration policies," said Henderson, "but we ask that this be done in a way that respects the dignity and rights of each person. It is our moral responsibility as a nation, and in our best interests, not to demean, dehumanise, or cause unnecessary suffering and uncertainty to people who have already suffered great trauma."
James Thomson, of the Council's refugee programme, said; "We were concerned that recognised refugees judged to have no further need of protection might be re-detained and forcibly deported. At least now they'll have 18 months to prepare. Allowing TPV refugees to apply for migration visas will also come as welcome news, particularly to refugees who have become a vital part of the rural workforce, but most of the 9,500 refugees with TPVs applying for ongoing protection in Australia are unlikely to qualify.
"On their own, however, these measures are not enough" said Mr. Thomson. "The strict criteria preventing refugees from obtaining permanent protection visas in the first place remains, and refugees who receive TPVs are still being denied permanent residence, family reunion and settlement services."
Australia is the only country in the world that grants recognised refugees temporary protection. Usually, it is only used when a crisis overwhelms a state's ability to cope. Australia's system of mandatory, indefinite detention for every, man woman and child seeking asylum without a visa is also unique. Additionally, there are still up to 1,000 asylum seekers in the community who are forced to survive off charity because they have been denied work rights, Medicare and income support.
For more information contact: James Thomson on (02) 92992215 or 0402 67 55 44
