On behalf of the member churches of NCCA, General Secretary Elizabeth Stone, is a signatory to the letter to the leaders of the major parties, urging them to avoid dog-whistling and sowing division about asylum seekers and refugees throughout the federal election campaign.
Anticipating that immigration will be a political flashpoint, the letter – addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Greens Leader Adam Bandt, and Nationals Leader David Littleproud – calls for respectful public debate.
Signed by more than 30 groups, including Amnesty International and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, the letter warns against using immigrants and asylum seekers as a political football and urges that these groups be treated with respect.
“Political debate – both during and outside election campaigns – has often seen people seeking asylum become the target of unacceptable rhetoric, often describing refugees and people seeking asylum in a degrading and hostile manner,” the letter reads.
“This is a poor reflection on how Australia is perceived internationally and undermines our proud record as a truly multicultural nation and as a leader in refugee resettlement and protection principles.”
Read: Politicians warned against demonising asylum seekers during election campaign | Cath News | 21 March 2025