Imperial Fruit: Bananas, Costs and Climate Change

The curved course of the ubiquitous banana has often been the peel…

The problems with a principled stand

In the past couple of weeks, the conservative parties have retained government…

Government approves Santos Barossa pipeline and sea dumping

The Australia Institute Media Release Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s Department has approved a…

If The Jackboots Actually Fit …

By Jane Salmon If The Jackboots Actually Fit … Why Does Labor Keep…

Distinctions Without Difference: The Security Council on Gaza…

The UN Security Council presents one of the great contradictions of power…

How the supermarkets lost their way in Oz

By Callen Sorensen Karklis Many Australians are heard saying that they’re feeling the…

Purgatorial Torments: Assange and the UK High Court

What is it about British justice that has a certain rankness to…

Why A Punch In The Face May Be…

Now I'm not one who believes in violence as a solution to…

«
»
Facebook

Category Archives: Social Justice

Banished from Pakistan: Islamabad Moves on Afghan Refugees

Across the globe, refugees, always treated as the pox of public policy, continue to feature in news reports describing anguish, despair and persistent persecution. If they are not facing barbed wire barriers in Europe, they are being conveyed, where possible, to third countries to be processed in lengthy fashion. Policy makers fiddle and cook the legal record to justify such measures, finding fault with instruments of international protection such as the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951.

A very dramatic example of roughing up and violence is taking place against Afghans in Pakistan, a country that, despite having a lengthy association with hosting refugees, has yet to ratify the primary Convention. Yet in March 2023, the UNHCR noted that Pakistan hosted 1.35 million registered refugees. The organisation praised Pakistan for its “long and commendable tradition of providing protection to refugees and asylum-seekers”, noting that the current number comprised “mainly Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR), as well as a small number of non-Afghan refugees and asylum seekers from other countries such as Myanmar, Yemen, Somalia and Syria.”

Such a rosy assessment detracts from the complex nature of the status of Afghans in that country, characterised by, in some cases, the absence of visas and passports, the expiration of visas and the long wait for renewals. Then comes the tense, heavy mix of domestic politics.

On September 15, the federal government ordered all individual Afghans residing in the country illegally to leave the country by November 1 or face deportation. The order affects some 1.7 million Afghans residing in the country, though the figures on the undocumented vary with dizzy fluctuations.

It is proving disastrous for those vulnerable individuals who fled a country where the Taliban has returned to power. To date, 400,000 are said to have left Pakistan via border crossings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan, with one estimate from the International Rescue Committee suggesting that 10,000 are being returned to Afghanistan each day. These include the whole spectrum of vulnerable persons: women, girls, human rights activists, journalists and those formerly in the employ of the previous Western-backed government.

The picture is an ugly one indeed, complicated by Pakistan’s own domestic ills and complex relationship with Kabul. During the course of the vacuously named Global War on Terror, Afghanistan came to be seen as a problem for Pakistani security, its refugee camps accused as being incubators for fractious Afghan militants. Kabul, at that point yet to return to Taliban control, accused Islamabad of destabilising its own security by providing sanctuary for those very same militants. In the aftermath of the killing of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani in September 2011, the victim of a daring suicide attack on his residency, Pakistan’s then Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, proved roundly dismissive: “We are not responsible if Afghan refugees crossed the border and entered Kabul, stayed in a guest house and attacked Professor Rabbani.”

The latest chapter of demonisation comes on the coattails of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. Brutal night raids by police, featuring beatings, ominous threats and detention, have become the hallmarks of the expulsion campaign. The police forces, themselves spoiled by corruption and opportunism, are prone to pilfering property, including jewellery and livestock.

In October, Mir Ahmad Rauf, who heads the Afghan Refugees’ Council in Pakistan reported “widespread destruction of Afghan homes in Islamabad’s B-17, Karachi, and other parts of Pakistan.” Last month, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom issued a statement expressing concern at “reports of increased detainment, violence, and intimidation against the Ahmadiyya and Afghan refugee communities” in the country.

To add to this failure of protection is the status of many who, despite being Afghan, were born in Pakistan and never set foot in Afghanistan. In 2018, Pakistan’s then Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that his government would be amenable to granting citizenship to Afghans born in the country. The promise (amenability is always contingent) was never enacted into law, and Khan is now persona non grata with Pakistan’s usurpers.

The protective, humanitarian burden for processing claims by Afghans in other countries has also been reluctantly shared. To return to Afghanistan spells potential repression and persecution; but to find a country in the European Union, or to seek sanctuary in the United States, Australia and others, has been nigh impossible for most.

When asylum has been considered, it has often been done with an emphasis on prioritising the contributions of men who had performed military and security roles in the previous Western-backed Kabul administration. There is a delicious irony to this, given the evangelical promises of US President George W. Bush to liberate the country’s women from the clutches of obscurantist fundamentalism.

On December 1, a three-member bench of the Pakistani Supreme Court sought responses from the various arms of the government, including the apex committee led by the Prime Minister, foreign office, and army chief on their decision to expel Afghan nationals. Given the caretaker status of the current government, which has all but outsourced foreign policy to the military, including the “Afghan issue”, legal questions can be asked.

One of the petitioners to the court, Senator Farhatullah Babar, states that current government members are technically unelected to represent the country. “So, the court would need to decide whether a caretaker government with such a restrictive mandate can take such a major policy decision, and in my view, this is beyond the power of the caretaker government.” Those Afghans remaining in Pakistan can only wait.

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

ACOSS urges root and branch employment services overhaul

Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) Media Release

ACOSS welcomes the House of Representatives Select Committee recommendations released today which, if implemented, would transform employment services for the better.

ACOSS Acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said: ‘’We urge the Federal Government to commit to the reforms recommended by this inquiry that would shift it from a system that punishes people towards one that opens up real employment opportunities.

“The fact that 600,000 people have been stuck on unemployment payments – many of them people with disability or older workers struggling to get a foothold in the labour market – is a sign of failure in the employment services system. We must do better.

“The most urgent reform recommended by the Committee is to end automated payment suspensions and ensure people have access to a human decision maker before payments are affected. In the three months to September, over 280,000 people were threatened – by computer – with the loss of their income support, often for minor infractions such as missing an appointment with an employment service provider that they didn’t know about.

“Cutting off someone’s income should never be a first resort and people should be given the chance to explain their situation before their payments are impacted. The government must act to stop automated payment suspensions now, before it becomes the next Robodebt tragedy. Until a fair alternative to the present system of unjust and automated suspensions is in place, we continue to urge for a pause in payment suspensions.

“The Committee proposes overdue, transformational reform to the 30-year-old employment services system in which private providers compete for the ‘business’ of helping people secure employment. This competitive model has not worked.

“ACOSS welcomes the proposed independent quality assurance body to manage complaints and set standards for employment services, including the qualifications of frontline employment services staff, and the creation of standing advisory bodies where people directly affected are directly represented.

“The proposed national wage subsidy and work experience schemes would offer people unemployed long-term the opportunity for experience in a regular, properly paid job. ACOSS advocates an offer of at least annual access to a wage subsidy, quality training, a job offer or health and social supports tailored to individual need. This should replace punitive and ineffective programs like Work for the Dole, which must be abolished.

“The proposed regional hubs and service gateways would join up local employment, community and training services, and connect them with employers.

“We will examine further the Committee’s recommendations over the coming weeks and commit to working with the government to implement much needed reforms.

“It is also vital to raise the rate of income support to at least $78 a day, so that people can afford the essentials of life while searching for employment.”

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Experts Call For Transfer of Last Refugees in PNG to Australia

Media Release

Religious leaders and healthcare professionals present Open Letters calling for the immediate transfer to Australia of the remaining refugees in PNG.

More than 500 doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and more than 300 religious leaders and people of faith will call on the Australian Government to immediately transfer to Australia the approximately 64 refugees and people seeking asylum who are still trapped in Papua New Guinea: in two open letters.

On Tuesday 28th November, a delegation of religious leaders and healthcare professionals will travel to Parliament House to meet with MPs and deliver the two open letters.

Signatories to the letters include:

  • Bishop Mark Short (Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn)
  • Bishop Vincent Long (Catholic Diocese of Parramatta)
  • Rev Tim Costello (Executive Director of Micah Australia)
  • Imam Shadi Alsuleiman (President, Australian National Imams Council)
  • Rev Sharon Hollis (President Uniting Church in Australia, Assembly)
  • Professor Clare Nourse AM
  • Professor David Isaacs
  • Professor Lyn Gilbert AO
  • Professor Roy Robins-Browne AO

Representing the religious leaders who signed the open letter, Bishop Mark Short says:

“As people of faith, and as leaders of our congregations, we are deeply concerned about the refugees and people seeking asylum currently trapped in Papua New Guinea. Continuing to hold them in PNG is unjust and denies them basic human rights. We call on the Australian Government to bring to Australia the refugees and people seeking asylum still held in Papua New Guinea.”

Mainul Haque OAM (Former President, Canberra Muslim Community and Gungahlin Mosque) said:

“We are committed to a compassionate society based on justice, hope and fairness. This is a call for the just and compassionate treatment of people who are awaiting their resettlement processes.”

Representing healthcare professionals who signed the open letter, Professor David Isaacs said:

“People have been held in PNG for more than 10 years now, causing enormous harm to their physical and mental health and they have been denied adequate health care. Australia is actively harming these people and it is time to bring this to an end. They should be brought here immediately so that they can receive the medical care that they need while they await a resettlement solution.”

Dr Nilanthy Vigneswaran (Infectious Diseases Fellow) said:

“This open letter speaks to the ever growing calls within Australia’s healthcare community to end the suffering and dehumanisation of refugees in PNG, and immediately provide them with urgent and long awaited medical care.

“Fourteen people have died in Australia’s offshore detention in the last 10 years. Coronial inquests have identified that unacceptable delays in transferring people to tertiary centres for urgent medical care directly contributed to these preventable deaths. We do not view these incidents as tragic isolated events, rather they represent a systemic failure.

The medical care available to people held offshore is far below the standard of that accessed by the general Australian public.”

Dr Kevin Sweeney added:

“Having more than 800 signatories to these open letters is evidence of the ongoing, widespread concern across the community for those ‘left behind’ in PNG, many of whom have no pathway to safe resettlement.

“It is extraordinary that these refugees and people seeking asylum are still trapped in PNG after more than 10 years; unable to see their families, unable to build a new life for themselves. The endless waiting and hopelessness has taken a huge toll on their mental health.”

Sr Jane Keogh commented: “They live in difficult circumstances where they are not safe – they are regularly targeted and attacked by street gangs. Basic supports are now being withdrawn as Australia has not provided any funding for more than 12 months. There are credible reports that funds that Australia has previously provided have been siphoned off, raising serious concerns about corruption. Off-shore detention in PNG has been a disaster and needs to be brought to an end. The Australian Government needs to transfer them back to Australia now.”

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Highlights from the Refugee Walk For A Fair Go

Fifteen Tamil and Iranian refugee women walked 300 kms from Sydney to Canberra to raise awareness of the plight of 10,000+ refugees held in limbo for over 10 years.

We are a group of refugees who were processed through the flawed Fast Track process introduced by the previous government. We were very happy to hear that the ALP agreed that it did not provide a fair, thorough and robust assessment process for persons seeking asylum. When the ALP came into power on 21st May 2022, we celebrated knowing that our life in limbo for the past 10 years is about to change.

We women and our families are genuine refugees who have made significant contributions to our local communities and employment across many service sectors but do not have permanent visas enabling equal rights and access to essential social services for over a decade. Our children do not have access to HECS to attain higher education in TAFE or University and many feel helpless. Though we have been law abiding, held jobs, paid taxes and contributed to the economy, we languish under temporary visa conditions. Our greatest concern is that we face an uncertain future and fear of being deported to back to countries where we face persecution.

We started our walk on the 31st of October and were honoured to have Karress Rhodes (Deputy Mayor of Liverpool, Hon. Nathan Hagarty NSW MP, Hon. Charishma Kaliyanda NSW MP join us on our first day and show their support in strong words

Clr Rhodes said, “This is not a political thing. This is a humanitarian issue. These women, and those whom they represent, deserve a fair go. That is what we are renowned for here in Australia. Enough is enough. I hope Canberra is listening.”

Nathan Hagarty MP said, “Under the last government we saw what is frankly unfair situation in relation to refugees. We have now made some progress there has been a path for people on temporary visas to permanency. The Labor Party did commit to a fair process in the platform at conference a couple of years ago.”

We walked between 15 and 30 kms per day for a total of 15 days with one day rest in between. Our support team provided food, accommodation, water, caravan, support vehicle, etc. The first day was tough with 30 kms and having 2 additional walkers who had medical issues made the walk even slower. After 2 days, the 2 ladies had to withdraw due to health concerns.

We stayed at church halls, caravan parks, motels, etc. All our food was supplied by volunteers and delivered to us daily. We had blisters, aches, pains and even nerve damage to our feet. But the determination to bring awareness to the plight of refugees rejected by an unfair process kept us going.

We have been refugees for most if not all our lives and were determined that at least our children will have a safe permanent place to call home where they could live in peace and give back to the society that gave them a second chance.

We started our walk at the crack of dawn so that we could finish before the afternoon sun. There were times it rained, and we had to walk bare feet through water to protect our shoes from getting wet. We walked up hill and on rough terrain avoiding snakes and other wild animals. But those challenges were nothing compared to the fear we suffered back in Sri Lanka or Iran. The mental anguish we suffer in Australia due to the constant fear of being deported back is worse than any physical pain we endured during the walk.

On the way we met Judy Hannan NSW MP who had a spread of sandwiches for us and kind words. We started the walk as strangers and by the time we got to Canberra we were more like sisters. We got to Canberra on Monday afternoon and on Tuesday the 14th of November, we walked the last 2.5 kms to the Parliament. Our families, including our Australian born children, met us and joined us on the last leg of our walk. As we had meetings with over 20 parliamentarians from 8:00 AM to 5:30 pm and as this was a peaceful walk to meet the parliamentarians, we humbly requested our supporters not to come to Canberra and hold a rally. We are grateful that our supporters understood the reasons and supported us in other ways.

We rushed from one meeting to another and each of us took turns to explain our particular situation to a Parliamentarian. At times, when we got too emotional, and were touched when the MPs gave us a hug and gave us assurances that we were not alone and they would take steps to ease our pain.

The amount of care and concern the MPs showed us was overwhelming. We never knew that they would care for us the way they did.

Senator David Shoebridge was our first appointment and he said, “We want to welcome you to this country. We want a pathway to permanency. That has to happen now. I can’t imagine what it must feel like to be uncertain for so long… Not knowing the future for so long. And it is very unfair.”

It was so good to know that we were not the forgotten people and that people in Parliament actually know our plight and are prepared to fight for us.

We then bumped into Kon Karapanagiotis who is the CEO and founder of Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) who had come to Parliament for other meetings. His passion for refugee rights touched us deeply. He went onto say: “ASRC calls on the Albanese government to end the suffering, to end the injustice. You shouldn’t have to walk for 15 days to be seen as human beings.”

We then met several MPs and Senators. All of them, without any exception, were amazed that we walked over 300 kms to have our voices heard. They took time from their busy schedules to listen to our stories and they were so empathetic to our plight and were supportive of a fair go.

Sally Sitou MP had injured her leg that morning and was rushed to hospital, but came to meet us in the afternoon on a motorised wheelchair!

 

 

Cassandra Fernando MP said: “On behalf of the government, I applaud all the efforts you have made to come here today”.

Fatima Payman hugged one of our walkers tight and reassured us that she knows and understands our plight and will take every effort to bring it to the Minister’s attention.

Dr Andrew Charlton MP’s words gave us so much confidence in the current government and we felt reassured that there is a light at the end of the 10 year long tunnel. He said: “I want to assure you that, Labor really believes very strongly in the contribution that you have made and you will make to Australia. We have made some progress in working through these migration issues that we have to deal with. I understand the frustration for you that we haven’t yet dealt with the issues that you face every day and the cloud that is hanging over you everyday. But, I want to assure you that we will. I want to assure you that in Australia you are extremely welcome. We are lucky to have you here. You are not going anywhere. You are valued. And we will work to make sure you that you are valued through the appropriate resolution of your visa status.”

After so many meetings, we were elated and completely forgot the pain we suffered walking for 15 days. Our trust in the Australian Government has increased beyond measure. We are lucky that we found safety in a country that takes time to listen to the people. We can’t wait to have permanent safety and we can’t wait to give back to the community and country that has given us a second chance at life.

Dr Andrew Charlton MP spoke about our issue in the House of Representatives and Senator David Shoebridge spoke about our issue in the Senate a couple of days after meeting with us. Knowing that they heard us and care for us gives us tremendous hope.

The advocacy work for a fair go for all refugees in limbo continues. Our support team continues to make representations with parliamentarians.

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Refugee women walk for a fair go

We are a group of 15 refugee women of Tamil and Iranian backgrounds who were processed through the flawed Fast Track process introduced by the previous government. We were very happy to hear that the ALP agreed that it did not provide a fair, thorough and robust assessment process for persons seeking asylum.

When the ALP came into power on 21st May 2022, we celebrated knowing that our life in limbo for the past 10 years is about to change. We are humbly requesting the Albanese Labor Government grant us and other 10,000 plus refugees an opportunity to seek permanent protection under a fair process.

We women and our families are genuine refugees who have made significant contributions to our local communities and employment across many service sectors but do not have permanent visas enabling equal rights and access to essential social services for over a decade.

Our children do not have access to HECS to attain higher education in TAFE or University and many feel helpless. Though we have been law abiding, held jobs, paid taxes and contributed to the economy, we languish under temporary visa conditions. Our greatest concern is that we face an uncertain future and fear of being deported back to countries where we face persecution.

We are walking from Sydney to Parliament House Canberra to raise awareness about our visa situation. This is not a rally or protest; it is a walk together seeking support.

Here is a brief about each of us:

 

Kavya

Kavya came to Australia in 2013 as a teenager. She finished her high school in Sydney and was not able to attend university due to having to pay international student fee. Kavya has completed a TAFE Certificate IV course in Laboratory Skills. Kavya is married now and has 2 daughters aged 3 1/2 years and a baby born in July 2023. Her newborn baby hasn’t got a visa yet and doesn’t have Medicare Card.

 

Sahar

Sahar, her husband and their two-year-old daughter arrived in Australia in 2013. Their son was born in Autralia. Sahar works as a Support Worker helping vulnerable Australians and her husband works in the building industry installing floors.

 

Fariba

Fariba and her daughter arrived in Australia 2012 to join their husband who is an Australian citizen. But because Fariba and her daughter arrived by boat, the husband is not able to sponsor them as a spouse/daughter migrants. Fariba’s husband has Stage 4 Cancer. Their daughter works as a support worker and now has a 9-year-old daughter born in Australia.

 

Maryam

Maryam, her husband, their daughter Shala who was 16 and son who was 12 arrived in Australia in 2012. Her husband and son work in the building industry. Their daughter is married to a NSW Police officer who is a citizen and they have two children born in Australia. Yet, the daughter Shala is not able to become a permanent resident as she arrived by boat.

 

Niranjana

Niranjana came to Australia in 2013 with her husband, daugther Najini then aged 6 and son Srihari then aged 2. Niranjana and her husband work as factory hands. Najini is studying Nursing at TAFE and wants to provide essential health care services to the community which has given her refuge. Her son is in year 8 and has consistently topped his class in Maths. He hopes to become an engineer if he is able to attend University.

 

Komathy

Komathy, her husband and their two sons aged 13 and 10 arrived in Australia in 2013. Their third son was born in Australia and is attending school. Komathy has a Diploma in Childcare and works as an Early Childhood Educator. Their oldest son has completed his Computer Science degree and the second son has completed his Certificate III In Mechanical Engineering. Due to the temporary nature of their visa, they are not able to secure permanent employment in the field of their qualifications.

 

Suganthiny

Suganthiny came to Australia in 2012 with her two daughters who were aged 12 and 2 1/2 years at that time. She is a widow after her husband was killed in Sri Lanka due to being a Tamil. Sukanthy has a Diploma in Childcare as well as Certificate III in Aged Care. She works as a early childhood educator during the day and a factory worker at night to make ends meet.

 

Vijitha

Vijitha and her husband came to Australia in 2011 with their son who was 7 and daugther aged 2.5. They had a daughter born in Australia in 2014. Vijitha owned a retail shop selling clothing and her husband had a barber shop. They had to give up their businesses when their refugee application was rejected through the Fast Track process.

 

Kamaleswary

Kamaleswary came to Australia 2013 with her husband and daughter Mary then aged 16 and son Amalraj then aged 10. Her husband is a Carpenter by Trade. Mary completed her HSC and then went to TAFE and completed Certificate IV in Aged Care and is working as a Carer in Aged Care looking after the elderly in Blacktown. Her son Amalraj completed his HSC, but at that point their visa had changed and is not eligible to pursue tertiary education.

 

Nirushidha

Nirushidha came to Australia aged 18 and was not able to go to university due to international student fees. She has attended TAFE and completed Cert IV in Laboratory Techniques. Due to temporary visa situation, she is finding it hard to get a permanent job.

 

Jeyaranjini

Jeyaranjini came with her husband and 11-year-old son in 2012. Due to not having a permanent visa, their son is not able to pursue his education in mining operations. They do not have work rights or access to Medicare benefits since 2020. They also do not have access to any Centrelink benefits.

 

Jamila

Jamila, her husband and their son aged two came to Australia in 2013. They now have two Australian born children born in 2014 and 2015. Her husband works laying NBN cables.

 

Thushanthi

Thushanthi and her husband came to Australia in 2012. Their refugee application was rejected through the Fast Track process. Thushanthi was 7 months pregnant when she lost her baby. They own and operate a restaurant in Brisbane.

 

Ranjini

Ranjini came to Australia in 2010 with her husband and daughter Dhashika who was aged 5 at the time. Her son Hari and daughter Thisha were born in Australia. Dhashika is studying law at university on a scholarship. Ranjini and her husband are working full time.

 

Niruba

Niruba and her husband Vithi came to Australia in 2013 and had a son born in Australia in 2014. Vithi works in the construction industry. They visa application was rejected through the Fast Track process and they are currently on a bridging visa.

 

Refugee Women Walking for A Fair Go

Email: refugeewomenwalkfairgo@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/refugeewomenwalk

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

No money, no food: PNG refugees can’t wait another week

Refugee Action Coalition Media Release

PNG refugees have been left without income, food vouchers for at least the last two weeks – in some cases longer.

Some have had their power cut because they cannot afford to pay for electricity. Transport has been cut. Medical appointments at PIH (Pacific International Hospital) now have to be paid for, but refugees have no money.

Citi Boutique, which houses around 24 refugees, has also announced a 10.00pm to 6.00am curfew on refugees. But there are fears that an announced inspection of premises is a prelude to more threat of eviction.

The Chief Migration Officer Stanis Hulahau (himself facing corruption allegations) issued a statement on 25 October saying the cuts in services “… are temporary in nature”. But refugees cannot wait another day, let alone another week.

“The situation is dire and requires urgent action,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition, “Income, food vouchers and services are needed immediately.

“Home Affairs minister, Clare O’Neil must act to end the crisis; to provide emergency funding, and immediately arrange for the refugees still in PNG to be brought to Australia where their welfare and safety can be guaranteed.”

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Self-reported victim survey data suggests no change in number of domestic and family violence assaults in NSW since 2011

Media Release

A new study by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) using victim survey data rather than police recorded incidents, found no change in the number of domestic and family violence (DFV) assaults in NSW over the past 12 years, and a significant decline at a national level.

While DFV assaults recorded by the NSW Police Force have risen over the last five, 10, and 15 years (as previously reported by BOCSAR), recorded crime statistics do not always reliably indicate DFV prevalence or trends due to under-reporting of domestic violence; changes in reporting rates over time; changes in police enforcement around domestic violence; and the broadening of community understanding of what constitutes domestic violence.

A more trustworthy source is the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Crime Victimisation Australia (CVS) survey, which gathers self-reported victimisation information from 6,000 NSW residents each year. This research considered pooled data from 13 annual surveys from 2010/11 to 2021/22, to provide a more rigorous way of measuring changes in DFV over time.

Executive Director of the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Jackie Fitzgerald, says “Measuring trends in domestic and family violence over several years is complex, and while many domestic and family violence complaints are reported to police, there are a significant number that are not reported. Using data collected directly from victims who may, or may-not have reported to police, gives us a much more reliable and accurate way of measuring domestic and family violence trends in NSW and indeed nationally, over extended periods of time.”

Key results:

  • In NSW, the rate of DFV related physical assault remained stable from July 2010-June 2013 to July 2019-June 2022.
  • Nationally, the DFV victimisation rate fell significantly from the earliest to the most recent time period (from 761.1 victims per 100,000 population in July 2010-June 2013 to 632.7 victims per 100,000 population in July 2019-June 2022).
  • The rate of DFV victimisation in NSW is not significantly different to the rates for Australia.

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Cricket Legend Completes Brisbane to Canberra Bicycle Ride for Visa Certainty

Media Release 18.10.23

Cricket star Thienushan Chandrasekaram, (aka Thienushan Chand) has pedalled to Canberra to raise awareness of the plight of his refugee cohort with the federal government. His group or legacy caseload is around 12,000 strong.

The ace cricketer cannot represent Australia overseas because he is lacking a permanent resident visa, despite arriving over 11 years ago. In state representative cricket, Thienushan represented Logan city in the 2023 finals. Although recognised as being among the top all-rounders in the world in specialist cricket, LMS, “Last Man Standing” and chosen to represent Australia; his temporary visa status prevents him from travelling to international cricket tournaments.

He has an impressive swag of trophies.

Averaging 90km per day, 34-year-old Thienushan completed his bike ride from Brisbane to Canberra early. He arrived on Tuesday 17.10.23 at 11am, a day ahead of schedule.

He will also support the arrival of 22 refugee women walking from Melbourne to Canberra on 18.10.23.

His family of 8 (mother, brother, his brother’s family, himself) arrived from Sri Lanka via India on 13 April 2013. Thienushan arrived when he was 22 years old, so he is now 34.

Thienushan has worked at Ikea for 8 years. His employers have expressed written support for his ride and quest for permanent resident visas for his family and others in the legacy caseload.

“While Minister Giles is pushing faster visa processing for new applications, Thienushan pedalled for justice for the 12,000 that have been waiting for the last eleven years, but are still left behind by the Minister and unhelpful assessment processes,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition,

“Thienushan is a fine example of the contribution and talent of the victims of fast-track assessments that the Minister is ignoring.”

You can catch up with Thienushan on the lawns outside the national Parliament on Wednesday. Or please give him a call while he and his family are in Canberra. His epic effort should not be ignored.

Contact:

Thienushan Chandrasekaram: +61 422 035 589, thinushan1115@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551566266956&mibextid=ZbWKwL

 

 

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

We are better than this

By Jane Salmon

The cut-through of mercenary, racist and Trumpist tropes reflected in the “No” referendum campaign has many people, including refugees, alarmed.

Any endorsement of Dutton is going to play against not only those experiencing the highest infant mortality, highest incarceration rates and shortest life spans: it will also affect asylum seekers and refugees. Labor has attempted moral leadership on such a mild ask … and lost. Will Labor dare stand up against mindless redneck selfishness again?

It is bad enough that right-wing media can reflect a conservative agenda. It is worse to have it confirmed that they can prosecute that agenda effectively in almost every part of the nation. The conservative cabal clustered around Dutton appears to have gotten away with disinformation of the most transparent kind.

Never mind that for ten generations Aborigines have experienced visibly negative treatment. Shallow and frankly hypocritical arguments about racial unity have trumped the bare facts. Victim blaming wins again.

Did Labor appease racists for too long when in Opposition? Is this the price?

Is Labor even more likely to capitulate on race and immigration issues now? Is it “safer” for them to go back to denying the humanity and harm done to refugees offshore? Do we go back to top-down military interventions in the Territory? Do we get on with blaming people who climbed into boats to get away from serious oppression for their “life and death” decisions? Will Labor again join Dutton’s LNP in trivialising genuine fear and desperation as a lifestyle choice? Or will Labor confirm that other categories of economic adjustment or migration are affecting the housing market?

Perhaps Labor can wake up and smell the “Teal” message: that vigorous campaigning on progressive issues can convert educated voters in former Liberal seats. Independents show that it is possible to convert complacent Liberal seats into conscience-led ones if you pick your issues and target your message well. Access to affordable tertiary education is powerful in changing politics. So too is building community from the grassroots up.

Perhaps Labor can also see that the backlog of refugees languishing on temporary visas are 20,000 potentially grateful voters. Such refugees handed out “Yes” material without having the right to cast a ballot themselves. They will not readily forget the horror inflicted on them by offshore and on by the LNP. Dutton is never going to be their friend and they will not vote for him. Each of those people has a network. Labor needs that network. These are people desperate enough to leave everything behind them. They are not conservative Golden Ticket migrants.

This week, there is a convergence of refugees in Canberra. Will Labor sit licking their wounds over the lost referendum, or will they renew their stand against racism? The Government have a chance to emerge from their offices, to look victims of cruel social policy in the eye and say, “We are better than this”. We are judged by our deeds. There are many ways of helping to review the medical, education and legal outcomes for Aborigines. Consultation need not be enshrined in the constitution to occur.

Similarly, the Department of Immigration can switch temporary visas to permanent ones. There is the opportunity to close offshore detention for good and to admit that regional processing of refugees will prevent irregular arrivals by any mode of transport.

People whose lives have been Pezzulloed or Duttoned need not stay that way. We can bring fairness back to broken systems and begin by righting old wrongs.

Hoping every member of Cabinet will emerge from their bunker and look an Aborigine or a refugee in the eye this week.

See you in Canberra Tuesday 17 October 2023 from 10am and again on Wednesday when women refugee walkers (WAVE) complete their hike from Melbourne.

 

Things we hear from every refugee currently in limbo

I am part of a minority group. It is not something I can change.

We protested and then the Government called us in for questioning.

I was put on an airport watch list.

I decided I did not want to participate in war.

A family member was killed.

I came by boat and it was very scary.

My brother got treated differently to me by Australian Immigration. He is now a citizen.

Detention was traumatising. It went on and on. It ruined my health.

Immigration staff seemed racist. I knew they would not give me a visa.

The Court process cost a lot. It has yielded no results.

I try to be the best Aussie I can be.

I volunteer in a soup kitchen or op shop. It helps my English.

I worked in the front line during the pandemic.

I pay a lot of tax but cannot vote.

Temporary visas are difficult.

I used to believe in God but now I am not sure.

My children cannot afford university when they matriculate. They want to work in medicine or as engineers.

Permanent jobs require a permanent visa.

I cannot study or convert my degree. I work as a tradie or shop owner.

I cannot get a mortgage.

I pay tax but cannot consistently access services like Medicare. I pay my own medical bills.

I send money to my mother. She is sick.

I don’t think I could ever go back to wearing a hijab.

I spoke to a journalist in Australia. My parents got a call from the Government back home telling them to come in and explain.

I am walking / cycling / travelling to Canberra because I don’t know what else to do.

I need to pay another lawyer to apply for Ministerial Intervention.

I feel rejected. I wake with a sense of dread. I feel depressed. I have no hope.

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Labor turns blind eye to vulnerable victims of fast track refugee assessment

Refugee Action Coalition Media Release

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles claimed that Labor reforms, “…will ensure that those found to be owed Australia’s protection will have access to quicker and fairer assessment of their claims, allowing them to rebuild their lives with certainty and stability,” and that Labor wants to “reform the migration system to prevent future exploitation.”

But since it was elected in May 2022, Labor has ignored the situation of the 10,000 asylum seekers processed under the flawed fast track refugee assessment of asylum seekers who have arrived by boat.

“Many of these asylum seekers do not even have the right to work or Medicare and are among the most vulnerable of all people on temporary visas,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.

Currently there is a protest outside both Clare O’Neil’s electorate office in Melbourne and Anthony Albanese office in Sydney, while 22 women from Sri Lanka and Iran are walking form Melbourne to Canberra to raise awareness of the 10,000 on bridging visas or ceased visas many with no work or Medicare rights, or any right to study for them or their children. (Photos attached of protest outside Albanese electorate office Tuesday, 3 October.)

“We are demanding justice, protection, and certainty for all refugees, asylum-seekers, and their families. We believe that no one should be left behind, and that the rights of all refugees must be recognized and upheld. This includes study rights for their children and work rights for adults,” said one of the Tamil walkers, Geetha Ramachandran.

More protests are being planned. (Melbourne rally, Sunday 8 October,2pm State Library; Sydney Sunday 29 October, 2pm, Sydney Town Hall.)

Labor has recognised that fast track is fundamentally flawed but will do nothing to fix it, or provide a pathway to permanent visas for the fast track victims although they have been in Australia for 11 years and longer.

Labor’s announcement of “last in, first processed” can’t be an excuse to leave the 10,000 in limbo any longer. If Labor really wants to ‘reform the migration system to prevent future exploitation’, they can’t ignore the 10,000 victims of fast track. This is a backlog that can be easily, and should be immediately, fixed,” said Rintoul.

 

Photo by the Refugee Action Coalition

 

Photo by the Refugee Action Coalition

 

Photo by the Refugee Action Coalition

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Media Alert – Refugees Say “Fair Go, Albo”

A protest vigil will be held for 4 days at the electoral office of Anthony Albanese 334A Marrickville Road, Marrickville NSW 2204.

This event is part of a set of rolling actions across the nation aimed at obtaining visas.

There are ongoing protests at the Victorian electoral office of Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil.

Canberra is the destination for a sit-down refugee strike on October 17, 2023. A Tamil cyclist has also set out from Brisbane. He expects to roll up on 17 October, too.

The group of 23 women (mainly Tamil and Iranian) are currently walking from Andrew Giles’ office in Melbourne. They are due to reach Parliament House in Canberra on 18 October 2023.

While larger refugee organisations take no ownership of events organised by grassroots refugees, they are supportive of the campaign.

Some of the refugees in this cohort have been through offshore detention and indefinite Immigration detention onshore.

Protests have grown in intensity. The ALP Government shows no signs of addressing the plight of some 10,000 plus refugees stranded on temporary visas or without any visa altogether, despite healthy polling.

Many see the Ministerial Interventions granting permanent visas to Neil Para and the Bilo family as a precedent for what is possible when the campaign optics are right.

Independent politicians have been invited to speak at the Canberra events.

Refugee speakers in Canberra will include Mahboubeh Mirshahi and Maryam Khasri.

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Desperate refugees hold their ground

In Melbourne, there have been rolling protests by refugees outside the electoral offices of the Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles for the past fortnight.

More rallies are planned.

The 500 or so protesters who have attended are people from multiple ethnicities who are still awaiting permanent visas. They aim to submit their contact details to the Ministers.

They represent another 10000 refugees in similar situations. This caseload of folk living in uncertainty is the aftermath of the LNP’s harsh Sovereign Borders deterrence policy. A cursory fast track assessment process sometimes trivialised the issues behind asylum claims.

Occasionally, such protest looks repellantly bleak. Some days have been a mixture of accented speakers emotively describing grim experiences of detention or depression into megaphones, the usual black and white signs, blocked traffic, dark clothing, angry chants in various languages. A man on hunger strike collapsed on 21 September 2023. Another protester has been sidelined by a thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Why should we care?

We should care because each protester represents an essential worker or a family that has run out of positive options. Almost every person protesting has been battling an unresponsive bureaucracy and heartless legislative system for 11 years. They are visaless or stuck trying to renew temporary visas every few months. They miss their ageing relatives.

Indebted to immigration lawyers, carrying court costs, they must still pay tax. Their children are charged international fees to study at tertiary level. It is not a happy situation.

However, there is also brightness in sharing common experiences, warm chats, the mix of women attending, smiling children play lego or ball games together. Upbeat western and traditional songs have protesters holding colourful blue and red heart signs swaying. There is hope that the vigils will bring new awareness and change.

We can all help. How about popping down there to show support and to experience this atmosphere for yourselves?

The brutality of Australia’s Immigration Policies must be redressed.

A “Fair Go” means Permanent Visas for those who are contributing to our nation while still stuck through over a decade of uncertainty.

A rolling protest is also planned for Albanese’s electoral office in Sydney this Tuesday to Thursday October 3 to 6. This grassroots refugee-run caravan then moves to Canberra. No organisations are pulling their strings.

 

 

 

 

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Refugee goes on long walk to take Australia on a journey

By Sumitra Vignaendra

On 10 September 2023, at the end of refugee Neil Para’s marathon 1014 kilometre walk from Ballarat to Sydney, it was made public that Neil, his wife, Sugaa, and two daughters, Nivash and Kartie, had been granted permanent visas (his youngest, Nive, was born in Australia, and she was made a citizen when she turned 10).

But this fact is taken from the middle of this story.

The Traumatic Start

Neil fled war-torn Sri Lanka for Malaysia in 2008. At the time, Sugaa was pregnant, but he felt he had to temporarily leave her to find a safer and more stable home for his family. By 2012, the family was reunited, now with two girls, Nivash and Kartie, with Sugaa pregnant with a third child. The young family made the perilous journey from Malaysia to Indonesia then to Christmas Island on board a small fishing boat carrying in excess of 200 asylum seekers.

On arrival, the family was detained for a period, and then finally released into the Australian community with working rights. The family went to Ballarat in 2013 on a Bridging Visa, where they were welcomed by the community, most notable, Kath Morton. After four months, however, their working rights were inexplicably revoked, which meant they had no visa, no rights to work, no Medicare and no tertiary study rights. By then their youngest, Nive, was born.

The people of Ballarat generously pay the family’s bills and rent. In return, Neil is a tireless volunteer for the SES and leads a crew, while Sugaa volunteers in aged care and the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre. Both are also actively involved in community committees.

Living and raising children when one’s status in Australia remained uncertain, however, was understandably excruciating. They applied many times for permanent protection, without success. Their many appeals against the rejection, and for ministerial intervention, were also unsuccessful.

Walking for Freedom

Neil felt that the only way to be heard by the authorities would be to make the long trek through two states on foot to the Prime Minister’s electoral office in Sydney, petition in hand. And on the way, it was not just his story that he would share with the people he encountered, but also the stories of over 10000 refugees who were in similar straights, 2000 of which are families.

This was an incredibly brave act on the part of a refugee who had so much to lose by bringing his situation to the attention of the public in this way, not to mention the physical and mental toll of making such a trip. Sugaa also confirmed that it was the first time during their stay in Australia that he had been away from the family for such a long period of time. Preparing and training for his trek also forced him away from his wife and children for hours every day for months.

Neil took this risk because he wanted to put a spotlight on the fact that over 10000 refugees were living in uncertainty, many for over 10 years, on visas with inconsistent and onerous conditions, or on no visas at all. Many refugees on these visas still do not have work rights, study rights, Medicare, or basic income support. Many are also dependent on the goodwill and charity of the community for a home and employment.

Touching Hearts and Minds

Neil was convinced that the public would be interested in these refugees’ stories and respond with sympathy and support.

He was correct. At every town through which he travelled, people welcomed him, communities and some politicians supported him, and councils arranged receptions. Supporters travelled from as far as Tasmania to walk with him, as well as fellow refugees from Iran, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Afghanistan, who travelled from Melbourne and other towns in order to be walking partners and to share their stories, including a large group who gathered at Shepparton’s Mosque in Victoria.

Neil’s walk also garnered the support of Melbourne’s Refugee Action Collective who helped coordinate the walk, supported by Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) groups in both Victoria and New South Wales, and refugee support groups such as People Just Like Us. Long-time supporters, Ballarat RAR, led by convenor Margaret O’Donnell, were pivotal. Behind the scenes, hundreds of volunteers ensured Neil was accompanied by a support vehicle daily, and RAR members and other community members fed, housed and supported Neil, provided companionship and blister relief. Keiran Magee, a volunteer with Refugee Action Collective Victoria, meticulously detailed the daily route and logistics while a number of refugee advocates in New South Wales and Victoria coordinated media coverage. Supporters had weekly zoom meetings to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Individuals and groups donated funds for this journey – including the Iranian Women’s Association in Melbourne – and overly 20,000 Australians signed Neil’s petition – almost 20,000 electronically and others were handwritten – asking for permanent protection for refugees. The electronic petition was delivered electronically to the Prime Minister’s electoral office on 12 September.

Neil said: “My walk has achieved something by raising awareness about the refugees. I have provided evidence to the government that people support this move.

“I reached many teenagers which helped them understand the refugees’ plight.

“I enjoyed the beautiful colour of canola and made friends for life. Every Australian welcomed me with open arms. People opened their house to me, made meals, took care of me, drew signs and banners, businesses supported me.

“Road users were friendly, some stopped to talk, take a selfie or photos, ask me why I was walking, wished me good luck and shouted me coffees.

“It was also an honour to receive shoes from (Aboriginal Voice to Parliament Yes advocate) legend Pat Farmer and run with him and a privilege to have photos with him.

“I also met others like me and heard their stories; met their children, born here, wanting the right to study, live and work here. Met men who have not seen their fiancé or wife and children for years, and a teenager who won a law scholarship but cannot access it.

“I am really proud I was able to do this with my amazing team; without them and without any support along the road, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. So many friendly drivers, so many supporters, so much encouragement from all types of organisations, thank you everyone for supporting this walk.”

Paul Power, CEO of the Refugee Council of Australia, walked one stretch with Neil. Power told Neil: “It’s great to see the support you are getting as you walk across the country; it’s been effective in mobilising and drawing attention to the people left in limbo for so long.

“There are thousands of people for whom it is untenable to return to their country of origin. There are many with compelling cases that need to be examined. The situations you are highlighting are shared by thousands in Australia and we are trying to raise this issue with the government.”

The Journey Ended in Sydney

When Neil arrived in the Greater Sydney Area, a dinner was organised jointly by the Australian Tamil Refugee Council, Consortium of Tamil Organisations NSW/ACT, TRACK (Tamil Rehabilitation and community Konnection), THADAM (an NGO based in Sydney which focuses on mental health in the Tamil community), the Australian Tamil Congress Uniting Church Tamil congregation, and the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce of National Christian Council.

The Jesuit Refugee Service and the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum also welcomed and supported Neil in the Sydney section of his journey. Sutherland Shire Refugee Connection covered his accommodation and meals, and their members joined the final leg of the walk, as did the Sydney-based clients and volunteers from the Asylum Seekers Centre, who hosted a dinner for Neil on his second night in Sydney.

On 9 September, after Neil’s walk from Liverpool to Canterbury, he was reunited after 40 days with his Sugaa and their girls. Fabia Claridge, co-convenor of People Just Like Us, a refugee advocacy organisation based in Sydney, said: “We hope the massive community support shown for Neil and his achievements will inspire the Australian government to act to make sure these people are no longer left behind.”

On 10 September, dozens of supporters walked with him and his family on his final 6 kilometre stretch from Canterbury to Marrickville. “Sun in my eyes, wind in my face, joy in my heart as I cross the finish line,” Neil reflected. At the picnic that concluded this event, it was made public that four members of the family had been given permanent protection (Nive was granted citizenship when she turned 10).

 

Neil Para reunited with Sugaa and the girls after 40 days apart (Photo by Sumitra Vignaendra)

The Story is Not Over

In February Immigration Minister Andrew Giles granted access for 19,000 who held Temporary Protection Visas and Safe Haven; however, in excess of 10,000 refugees in Australia remain in limbo.

Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition has said that Labor recognises the flaws in the fast-track system introduced under Morrison but has done nothing to rectify those flaws; despite policy, the fast-track system has not been abolished. Nor has Labor provided any systematic way to review the flawed decisions.

“Despite many approaches to the Minister, Andrew Giles is still unwilling to fix this glaring injustice,” said Rintoul, “Yet, ministerial intervention over the Biloela family and now Neil Para’s family has shown how simply it could be fixed.”

With great perversity, Australia punishes the people who are most in need – those who have escaped violence and horror in their birth countries, leaving families behind, both dead and alive. Australia’s mistreatment of refugees is not only at odds with human rights conventions that Australia has ratified, it is also at odds with the second verse of our own national anthem: “For those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share.”

To manage this glaring disjuncture between what we say about ourselves and what we do, we fabricate false narratives about refugees, demonising them as people asking for more than they deserve, which is in stark contrast to the truth. A common feature of refugees is their willingness to freely offer their time, services and kindness to help others in straightened circumstances. When one experiences perils, one appreciates the value of community.

Throughout his journey, Neil has highlighted the massive contribution of refugees to the Australian community, including their willingness to freely offer their time, services and kindness to help to others. He has also shown his respect for the first peoples of this land, their rights, and value of their cultures. The day after his arduous walk, when he had earned a much-needed rest, he still made time to write the following to his Tamil compatriots in Australia: “My advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers will continue regardless of their country, language, religion, abilities, gender etc. … Please vote YES for Aboriginal people.”

More photos by Sumitra Vignaendra of Neil’s incredible journey

Sumitra Vignaendra is a research scientist and is undertaking a PhD in philosophy of science on the topic of Big Data. She has been a social activist for 40 years and has written about race, social class, sexuality, gender, higher education and the flawed criminal justice systems in Australia. Born in Malaysia of Tamil heritage, she immigrated to Australia with her family, aged 8.

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Refugee Neil Para and family granted permanent visas after 1,000km walk from Ballarat to Sydney

Media release

Sri Lankan refugee Neil Para and his family have been granted permanent visas coinciding with completion of his marathon 1014-kilometre walk from Ballarat to Sydney at the weekend.

The inspirational trek through two states put the issue of 10,000 refugees living in limbo without permanent visas firmly on the Australian agenda.

Immigration Lawyer Carina Ford announced that Neil and his family had been granted permanent visas from Australian Immigration Minister Andrew Giles.

Neil completed his walk out of compassion for his friends. The walk began on August 1 and went through 30 Victorian towns and 42 towns/cities in NSW.

An emotional Neil Para said today: “I am glad and grateful. My family feels humbled. We hope all will be free one day. We promise that we will contribute to Australia. Refugees have a lot to give.

“We look forward to working not walking. My kids can follow their dreams.”

Rural Australians for Refugees (RAR) Ballarat convenor Margaret O’Donnell said: “RAR and the family’s other supporters from Ballarat are overjoyed that finally after more than a decade, they have permanent visas and can get on with their lives.”

The walk was a mammoth effort of coordination led by Melbourne Refugee Action Collective (RAC) and supported by Rural Australians for Refugees groups in both states and other refugee support groups including People Just Like Us. Everywhere Neil went people welcomed him, communities supported him and supporters and refugees travelled to walk with him.

When embarking on the walk, a Change.org petition seeking permanent visas had amassed about 11,000 signatures. The online and hard copy petition, which closes on Monday, is approaching 20,000.

Neil fled war-torn Sri Lanka and arrived in Australia in August 2012 seeking asylum, with his pregnant wife Sugaa and daughters Nivash and Kartie. Their third daughter Nive was born in Australia. The family was in Sydney to walk the final 6km with Neil.

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button

Indigenous disadvantage tells us much about our history

Long title: What do major issues that impact on Aboriginal people in contemporary Australian society tell us about our history?

It is difficult to isolate any of these issues. Each issue weaves into another: identity; health; housing; education; self-determination; recognition of sovereignty; gender issues; custodial issues and racism can all be connected. For example, discussions on identity can be traced to forced removal (through pastoral expansion or the policy of assimilation) which in turn can be traced to racism. Discussions on health lead to housing, which can also be traced to racism. Black deaths in custody is one of the major concerns in custodial issues, again, racism is a key element. Land rights are an issue linked to self-determination and recognition of sovereignty. Denial of these is also racist.

It is evident that the first European colonisers in Australia declared their belief in white supremacy, and this declaration is unchanged by the majority of white Australians today (1). Over the last two hundred years this attitude has been lodged into our history.

To many Aborigines their identity has been shrouded due to the forced removal from their lands, or the forced removal from their families. This alienation from the land disrupted ceremonial life and eroded Aboriginal identity.

Children were removed from their families as governments pursued a policy of assimilation, cast in the hope that Aboriginal children would assimilate into European culture. However, these children – now as adults – remain unsure about their own identity though wanting to return to their Aboriginal families.

Aboriginal people suffer from many disadvantages in our society, and the most damning indicator of the disadvantages is their rate of illness and shorter life expectancy. Statistics provide the evidence: The mortality rate of Aboriginal babies is three times that of other Australian babies; Aboriginal mothers are up to five times more likely to die during childbirth; and life expectancy is up to 12 years less than other Australians.

Poor health correlates with poor housing, and the living conditions of many Aborigines reflects their status in Australian society and their low-income potential (2). Their resultant segregation provides limited access to facilities such as sewerage, rubbish removal, or clean water. The health and housing conditions of Aborigines are a result of their marginalisation in society.

Elements of racism are also accountable for the low education standards attained by Aboriginal people (3). Statistically, it could be argued that Aborigines do not consider education to be important (4). The statistics summarise that their achievements in literacy and numeracy are substantially below average levels, as is their participation rates in compulsory schooling. The argument for the racist element, however, is stronger. It is questionable whether the education system is catering for the needs of Aboriginal people. The education system inhibits Aboriginal learning styles with Aboriginal values being replaced with our own values, and our way of understanding and doing things. This in itself assumes that our culture is superior and Aboriginal children are conditioned into accepting the culture of the dominant white society.

The rights to maintain self-determination have been denied to the Aboriginal people since white colonisation; itself an act of discrimination that places Aborigines in a subordinate position in Australia today (5). The denial of self-determination, which is a denial of a people to identify with their own history and the perpetuation of their culture bears a strong connection to the reasons behind a lack of identity.

The attitudes of discrimination rife in Australian society have left their scars on the matriarchs of the Aboriginal people: Women are also victims of chauvinism as well as being placed in the lowest status positions (6). This contributes to a lack of awareness of how dispossession, racist practices, incarceration and violence have fragmented their position in society (7).

The statistics on custodial issues reveal further imbalances: Young indigenous people are eighteen times more likely to be held in detention than other Australian youths (8). The imprisonment rate of Aborigines is the highest in the world, leading to a conclusion that Indigenous people face discrimination within the legal system.

More telling however, is that over-representation is shadowed by a more disturbing statistic in the issue: Aborigines are dying in custody. No suitable reason can be found to explain the deaths. It is at the grass roots level that prevention should be focused. In the 1980s, 67% of Aborigines taken into custody were jailed as a result of alcohol-related detentions (9). The Commissioner of the inquiry into Black Deaths in Custody reported the abolition of the offence of drunkenness should reduce our prison populations without threat to public safety. This advice has been all but ignored.

But the issue still needs further examination. Forty-three per cent of Aborigines who died in custody had, as children, been forcibly removed from their families under the policy of assimilation, and only 1% had finished their formal schooling (10). It is relevant to ask: Is Australia’s past treatment of Aborigines central to their current rates of arrest and imprisonment? (11)

All Aboriginal people suffer in every aspect of their lives from racism. The denial of self-determination is racist (12). Racism is evident in the education system, the legal system and the political structures of Australian society (13). It exists at the legislative and bureaucratic levels and weaves down into public opinion. Aboriginal people have had to contend with the European attitude of white supremacy. These issues are all bound together with racism (14).

These major issues indicate that a history of racist views and policies began in Australia in 1788 and still manifests society today. History books account of the struggles of Europeans to claim this continent as their own, whereas a curtain of silence has shielded generations of students from recognising how European expansion swept away the land rights of the original inhabitants.

In the advancing colonisation the Aboriginal people were conveniently treated as part of the country’s past. ‘History,’ proclaimed an old university lecturer of mine, ‘treated Aboriginal people as little more than impediments standing briefly in the way of inevitable white progress across the nation’ (15).

So I ask, what do major issues that impact on Aboriginal people in contemporary Australian society tell us about our history? And do they, perhaps, explain the strong showing the No vote (for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament) is gathering?

References

(1) The Path to Reconciliation (1997), Commonwealth of Australia booklet, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.

(2) Tarrago, I. (1992), ‘Aboriginal families’ in National family summit report, Batchler-Wheeler Associates for Capital Reporting, Parliament House, Canberra, pp 63-71.

(3) The Path to Reconciliation (1997), Commonwealth of Australia booklet, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.

(4) Tarrago, I. (1992), ‘Aboriginal families’ in National family summit report, Batchler-Wheeler Associates for Capital Reporting, Parliament House, Canberra, pp 63-71.

(5) Bird, G; Martin, G; and Nielsen, J.(1996), editors Majah: indigenous peoples and the law, The Federation Press, NSW.

(6) O’Shane, P. (1993), ‘Aboriginal women and the women’s movement’ in Refracting voices, feminist perspectives, Southward Press, NSW.

(7) Miller, L. (1993), ‘The women’s movement and Aboriginal women’ in Refracting voices, feminist perspectives, Southward Press, NSW.

(8) The Path to Reconciliation (1997), Commonwealth of Australia booklet, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.

(9) Lippmann, L. (1994), Generations of resistance, 3rd edition, Longman Australia, Melbourne.

(10) The Path to Reconciliation (1997), Commonwealth of Australia booklet, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.

(11) O’Shane, P. (1993), ‘Aboriginal women and the women’s movement’ in Refracting voices, feminist perspectives, Southward Press, NSW.

(12) Bird, G; Martin, G; and Nielsen, J.(1996), editors Majah: indigenous peoples and the law, The Federation Press, NSW.

(13) O’Shane, P. (1993), ‘Aboriginal women and the women’s movement’ in Refracting voices, feminist perspectives, Southward Press, NSW.

(14) McGrath, A. (1993), Women and state, LaTrobe University Press, Bundoora.

(15) Edwards, W.H. (1988), An introduction to Aboriginal societies, Social Science Press, Wentworth Falls, NSW.

 

Like what we do at The AIMN?

You’ll like it even more knowing that your donation will help us to keep up the good fight.

Chuck in a few bucks and see just how far it goes!

Your contribution to help with the running costs of this site will be gratefully accepted.

You can donate through PayPal or credit card via the button below, or donate via bank transfer: BSB: 062500; A/c no: 10495969

Donate Button