Borough campaign to protect refugees gets national backing

AUSTRALIA’S peak body for local government has backed a Borough of Queenscliffe (BoQ) campaign to shift refugees from temporary to permanent protection visas.

The culmination of years of lobbying from council and pro-refugee community groups, the Borough’s motion to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) asked it to call on the Australian government to “adopt a unified approach to transitioning refugees on Temporary Protection Visas or Safe Haven Enterprise Visas to Permanent Protection Visas as quickly as possible”.

At its board meeting in late July, the ALGA approved the motion, meaning it will now help guide future policy and campaign initiatives on a national level.

“We’re thrilled that the Australian Local Government Association has passed the Borough of Queenscliffe’s motion calling for a fairer, more secure future for refugees and asylum seekers,” BoQ Mayor Ross Ebbels said.

“Success of this motion shows that local communities want permanent protection for refugees and asylum seekers – not Temporary Protection Visas that threaten to return them to danger at any time.”

Cr Ebbels said he’d contacted federal MP Libby Coker to inform her of the decision and believed it strengthened calls for her government to scrap the use of temporary and safe haven visas.

“While I’m glad to see the new Prime Minister has declared his opposition to the use of Temporary Protection Visas, I’ve stressed the need for these visas to be abolished as quickly as possible, and refugees on these visas to be given permanent protection,” he said.

“Local governments in Australia know all our residents deserve to feel safe and secure – we’d invite the Federal Government to listen to this call and join us by delivering real security for refugees and asylum seekers.

“As a Refugee Welcome Zone, I’m proud of the small role the Borough has played in this campaign. Working together with our community, we’ll continue to advocate for a better future for refugees and asylum seekers.”