The NCCA member churches continue to affirm the need for the expeditious processing of refugees and asylum seekers entering Australian territory. The churches through their agencies currently support the community detention program and will continue to work with Government to provide appropriate housing and care.

Tara Curlewis said “The Australian Government’s approach to asylum seekers and refugees is appalling particularly all the energy that is being expended to amend legislation in order to transfer our obligations to another smaller less prosperous nation in the region.”

During the uncertainty of amendments to legislation asylum seekers continue to be held in mandatory detention where they wait in a state of limbo for their applications to be considered.

Ms Curlewis concluded saying “Using vulnerable and traumatized people as a political ping pong ball is inhumane and reduces the value of Australia as a signatory to the Refugee Convention.”

The amended legislation is currently scheduled to be introduced to the Parliament on Thursday.

Media Enquiries: (02) 9299 2215 Rev Tara Curlewis is available for Interview