Proposed migration changes condemned as reminiscent of 'White Australia policy'
Church advocates have condemned the government's proposed new migration laws as reminiscent of the White Australia policy.
By SACHA PAYNE
The government's proposed new migration laws have been condemned by human rights and church groups.
The Migration and Maritime Powers Legislation Amendment Bill (Resolving the Asylum Legacy Caseload) includes a reintroduction of temporary protection visas and would enshrine asylum seeker boat turn-backs into law.
It also removes references to the United Nations Refugees Convention from the Migration Act.
The government said the changes would also assist it to fast-track an asylum seeker caseload of about 30,000 people.
By SACHA PAYNE
The government's proposed new migration laws have been condemned by human rights and church groups.
The Migration and Maritime Powers Legislation Amendment Bill (Resolving the Asylum Legacy Caseload) includes a reintroduction of temporary protection visas and would enshrine asylum seeker boat turn-backs into law.
It also removes references to the United Nations Refugees Convention from the Migration Act.
The government said the changes would also assist it to fast-track an asylum seeker caseload of about 30,000 people.
But Chairman of the Social Responsibilities Commission of the Melbourne Anglican Church, Reverend Gordon Preece has labelled the proposal "a disaster for human dignity".
"The Government's proposed new migration laws are the most draconian since White Australia." Reverend Preece said. "(It) will deprive asylum seekers of human dignity and the most basic human rights."
Dr Preece said the bill was barbaric, as it unilaterally removed references to the UN Refugee Convention.
A number of advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Law Centre, UNICEF Australia, Save the Children and the Human Rights Council of Australia have opposed the bill in a joint submission to Parliament.
Director of Legal Advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre, Daniel Webb said the changes would breach international law.
"The reforms aren't needed," Mr Webb said. "The government should do the right thing and process people quickly and fairly under the current law."
"The Government's proposed new migration laws are the most draconian since White Australia." Reverend Preece said. "(It) will deprive asylum seekers of human dignity and the most basic human rights."
Dr Preece said the bill was barbaric, as it unilaterally removed references to the UN Refugee Convention.
A number of advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Law Centre, UNICEF Australia, Save the Children and the Human Rights Council of Australia have opposed the bill in a joint submission to Parliament.
Director of Legal Advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre, Daniel Webb said the changes would breach international law.
"The reforms aren't needed," Mr Webb said. "The government should do the right thing and process people quickly and fairly under the current law."
posted by Satish Sharma at
13:44
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