Forum to address unfinished refugee policies

From back left, Sue Longmore OAM, Yogeshwaran Kanthasamy and Linda Cusworth. Front from left, Kethiswaran Gopal and Prathipan Murugathas. Photo: NATHAN RIVALLAND

THREE local community groups are looking to speak up about the “unfinished business in Australia’s refugee policies” by hosting a special forum in Geelong.

Bellarine for Refugees, Combined Refugee Action Group and Queenscliff Rural Australians for Refugees will host the The Fairness Yet To Come forum at the Wesley United Church on September 14, which will explore the situation surrounding a group of 12,000 refugees who still don’t have permanent visa protection in Australia.

Local groups say the 2012 refugees had “fallen foul” of the laws at the time and were not allowed a fair process.

The forum will address the unfinished business in the Australian refugee policies.

A group of 19,000 refugees who sought asylum became eligible for permanent visas in February, however the “unfairly treated” 12,000 are still fighting the appeals processes in the judicial system.

The three advocacy groups hope their campaigning and collective voice can inspire the government to implement change and provide a resolution to the current temporary residents.

“The government has acknowledged it was a flawed system they were judged under, however haven’t created the path for justice,” Queenscliff Rural Australians for Refugees group member Sue Longmore said.

“Many of these people have been in the country for more than 10 years with no resolution.

“They’ve been separated from their wives and children who are still in their homelands with no chance at a family reunion.

“When you’re on a temporary visa, it’s very hard to find work because people think your visa is going to end anytime!

“They can’t apply for housing loans, and ultimately can’t get on with their lives. Many of these people live in Geelong.

“We hope by bringing this to light, we can help to make a difference.”

The forum will feature guest speakers including long time asylum seeker advocate Sister Brigid Arthur, senior lawyer from Refugee Legal, Ben Goulding and asylum seeker Geetha Ramachandran, who will share her insight into experiencing the “flawed system”.

For forum enquiries, please contact [email protected]