Pearls and Irritations

Cabinet reshuffle – policy and outcomes matter, not who is in charge, say refugees. Here is the pressing to do list for the incoming immigration minister:

• Close offshore. Bring them here.
• Permanent visas for fast track victims
• Recognise refugee contribution and industry
• Increase humanitarian intake
• Permanent visas for Medevac refugees on and offshore

Refugees who have been begging for permanent visas for 12 years will not be distracted by the Federal Cabinet reshuffle speculation.

Some grassroots refugee groups affected by current Labor Government immigration delays have appealed to any outgoing Ministers to do all they can to grant them permanent resident status in what may prove to be their final hours in these portfolios.

“You still have pens and can still make a difference to your legacy. We bear you no ill will,” said Arad Nik who has frequently travelled interstate to advocate for the stateless or those still struggling on temporary visas.

Parisa Ramak who has spent thirteen days outside O’Neil’s Oakleigh office said, “Positive change is still possible. We have passed the twelfth day of a vigil for 12000 people stuck here in administrative limbo for 12 years”.

Milan Makvandi who has visited the same 24/7 vigil from Sydney said “I am praying for a compassionate person to end uncertainty for us all. We have been begging for help for years”.

“We need a response. We request the Minister of Immigration to announce a definite and immediate decision for the victims of Fast Track Policy” says Mahboubeh Mirshahi.

“A ‘Fair Go for Refugees’ means coming up with timely resolution, not blaming refugees for the economic effects of negative gearing or greed,” said Refugee Action Coalition advocate Ian Rintoul. “Albanese can still show that Dutton does not call the shots for Labor on immigration,” he added.

Minister Giles is begged to consider his legacy in the last hours of his role.

“It does not matter who is in charge, we need a forward-thinking set of policies based on an awareness that refugees are great tradies, willing front line workers and enthusiastic taxpayers ready to pull our weight in the community. We need win-win solutions. We need Australia and Australia needs us,” said Solomon Mackenzie a frequent blood donor who hopes to join the ADF. “Refugees are one part of the solution to a falling birthrate, too”.

“Andrew Giles would still be welcome at my citizenship ceremony,” said Abbas Ghezzy whose father was arrested and has disappeared, having returned to Iran over two years ago m. “I still have faith in his decency”.

“The Labor government needs to stop this cruelty immediately against those captive souls. We don’t want to see people losing their lives anymore from depression and uncertainty”, said Sai Dhiruselvam.

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can still break Dutton‘s narrative that it is a ‘personal choice’ when asylum seekers are driven to flee from war, religious persecution or murderous regimes”, said Prasanth Kumaravel.

Arad Nik spoke out for reunification of family units that reflects Australian family values. “Portfolio changes made without considering the rights of people (who have lived in Australia for many years, got married, have children and adopted the Australian culture), are an insult to Australian family culture. These are Australian people who just don’t have the final paperwork”.

The tent encampment outside Senator O’Neil’s electoral office in Oakleigh continues with a multi-organisation vigil taking place there at noon on Tuesday.

Vigil, Tuesday 30/7/24 from 12.30pm at Home Affairs Minister, Clare O’Neil’s electoral office at 17-19 Atherton Road, Oakleigh, Vic, 3166.  [Note- this vigil has been CANCELLED]

Part of 24/7 Refugee Encampment at Oakleigh from 15/7/24.

Share and Enjoy !

SHARE TWEET SHARE COPY EMAIL PRINT