Refugees and asylum seekers are camping 24/7 in Punchbowl outside Tony Burke’s office Tuesday August 6, 2024 while they wait for answers.
The rally is an extension of the ongoing 24/7 vigil outside Clare O’Neil’s electoral office and the Home Affairs offices in Dockside. The freezing protest encampment in Melbourne has now exceeded 22 days and is ongoing.
Over 100 demonstrators have assembled.
Demonstrators say they need case-by-case solutions and permanent visas. Up to 10,000 people have been in the country for up to 12 years. Many have found ways to contribute as front-line workers paying tax during that time. They have seen other groups receive faster outcomes. They need clarity about their future, their childrens’ futures, plus work, study, family reunion and health care rights (not to mention assurances that they will not be arbitrarily removed in the future).
Tamil spokesperson Thamilselvan Selvamumar says:
“These people have waited for 12 years or more for an answer. It is time they receive the justice they have been waiting for. Refugees fled their own home for safety after facing persecution, genocide, war, and terror. It is time the Australian government opens up their hearts and realizes these refugees deserve permanent protection. The prolonged uncertainty has caused immense suffering, and now, more than ever, these individuals need and deserve a secure and stable future.”
The demonstration is a plea to the incoming Minister For Home Affairs to help survivors of the flawed Fast Track system (who arrived from many parts of the world long ago) find a path to permanent residency and safe progress.
“We do not need Dutton 2.0. Burke is the recurrent and present Minister. We do not need Labor to mimic the LNP on this. Labor is the party that said ‘no-one would be left behind’. When we changed government, we voted for humanitarian progress and healthy change, not the emulation of racists like Farage or Trump,” said refugee supporter Jane Salmon.
“How Burke treats the asylum seekers languishing in suspense may well swing marginal Western Sydney seats towards or against Labor. Other parties and independents are ready to step in,” she added.
“There are way too many overlooked cases where a Minister could and should recognise the positive contribution already made or the offshore ordeals already endured. Their children, who know nothing but Australia, need the freedom to move into affordable study and first jobs, perhaps in the housing construction. It is time to show some heart and help good people back onto their feet. Will Burke meet with us?”
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