Churches called to act for refugees in response to Migration Bill

In the last sitting days of Federal Parliament in March, the Labor Government attempted to push through changes to Australia’s migration laws. Advocates for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers have expressed grave concern for this legislation because it vastly increases the power of Government to punish asylum seekers living in Australia and prevent asylum seekers coming here from abroad. At a time of increasing conflict globally, the need to love and accept our suffering neighbours has never been more important.

The Bill passed the House of Representatives but has been paused at the Senate pending an Inquiry. The Australian Church Refugee Taskforce, of which the Uniting Church Assembly is a member, has produced a briefing note for Church members and wider community members to better understand the proposed Bill.

The brief also includes a call to action. There are various way to respond to the new laws.

1. Making a Submission to the Committee on the Senate Inquiry and uploading it online through the platform accessible here.

2. Letter to the Minister
You can write a firm but respectful letter to your Federal MP and the Minister for Immigration opposing the proposed Bill:
The Hon Andrew Giles MP
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

You can find the contact details of Senators and Federal MPs using this search tool: Senators and Members - Parliament of Australia

3. Email your Senator with guide from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) here.