Write to your MP
Engaging with your local Member of Parliament (MP) is an effective way of demonstrating that you – and people in your community – care about justice, non-discrimination and upholding human rights for all. You can let them know that you want to see our government reflecting your values of a welcoming Australia by providing an efficient and transparent process to support those seeking safety.
We aim to keep you up to date on the areas of concerns for refugees and people seeking asylum that you may wish to speak to members of parliament about.
Permanency for Refugees on Temporary Visas
There are about 31,000 people in Australia who have been placed on temporary visas that have denied them the ability to reunite with their families still overseas. Approximately 20,000 of those people have been recognised as refugees, while the remainder are still awaiting a resolution to their claim.
They have all been in Australia for close to a decade and are still anxiously awaiting a permanent visa.
Refugees on temporary visas are living in a constant state of limbo. They work hard and pay taxes, but employers are hesitant to offer long-term positions, banks will not give loans, and most painfully, they are unable to bring their family to live with them. Some people have not seen their children in almost a decade. When family members are still living in places like Afghanistan, there is enormous anxiety about their wellbeing.
Australia's temporary protection system is unnecessary, cruel, expensive and impractical.
The new Federal Labor Government promised to end these temporary visas but people remain caught in a state of perpetual limbo as they await an announcement.
Permanency will allow many who have lived and worked in Australia for a decade to finally be able to settle here, to reunite with family members and contribute fully to Australian society. There is research to show that granting permanency also delivers long-term economic returns by enabling people to upgrade their skills, sustain and grow their own businesses, and employ other workers.
Mostly importantly, permanent visas allow families to be together. It is so important that this matter is urgently prioritised because we all need our families.
Use our letter template and it will automatically find your local member of Parliament.
Send the letter to your MP and let us know if you get a response!
Although you can communicate with your MP via email, letters that are printed and sent via the post tend to have more impact and are more likely to receive a personalized response. CARAD would welcome any feedback on responses or outcomes from your letter! Please send any comments or feedback to office@carad.org.au.
For further information or assistance
If you have any questions or require additional information, you may contact CARAD at (08) 9227 7322 or via email at office@carad.org.au. We would also welcome any feedback or information about responses you get from your MP.