Give refugees permanent protection visas
27 August 2004
The Salvation Army is a signatory to the following letter, which has been sent to The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.
Letter to the Editor
Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone yesterday (24 August) announced refugees on temporary protection visas (TPVs) could now apply for any of more than 30 mainstream migration visas. However, every person already granted a TPV is a proven refugee. There is only one visa required – a permanent protection visa which is designed for refugees.
The Government’s ad hoc measures do not fix the problem, and only create further hardship for refugees.
By turning refugees into ‘migrants’, many of the ‘migrant’ visa classes have no safety net for two years and offer no settlement services. These services are considered essential by this government for all other refugees.
These additional visa options will not improve the situation for most refugees as les than 1 in 10 TPV refugees live and work in regional areas. The vast majority work and contribute to the economy of places such as Dandenong, Victoria or Blacktown in Sydney, and are not eligible.
Many of the most vulnerable refugees – those recovering from serious torture or trauma experiences – have been unable to work and are therefore not eligible.
It has taken over three years for the Government to recognise the contribution refugees have and could make to Australia. Yesterday’s announcement by the Minister is an acknowledgment of this contribution.
It’s time the Government did the right thing: abolish the temporary protection visa system and grant permanent protection to all TPV holders.
The community has already embraced the refugees and recognised their contribution to Australia. The refugees have also proven that, given the chance, they make great Australians.
(signed)
John Wilson, Brotherhood of St Laurence
Dr Ray Cleary, Anglicare Victoria
Rev Raoul Spackman-Williams, UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania
John Dalziel, The Salvation Army
John McLean, St Vincent de Paul Society
Major Brad Halse, Communications Director
The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory
Phone: (03) 8878 2406 Mobile: 0417 537 950
