The Albanese Government is considering changes to Australia’s migration and protection system that could strip away work and appeal rights from people seeking asylum. This could see tens of thousands of people who are currently working, paying rent, buying food and supporting their families suddenly lose their only source of income.
For people seeking asylum, the right to work is not a privilege. Most are unable to access Centrelink, meaning work is the only way to meet their basic needs.
CARAD is one of more than 160 community, charity, multicultural and migration organisations in Australia that has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to stop these changes that would leave people seeking asylum without the ability to support themselves and become reliant on already over stretched organisations just to get by.
What you can do
The Government hasn’t announced anything formally yet, so we still have time to stop this. Call or email your local Labor representative and ask them to speak up.
The Asylum Seekers Resource Centre (ASRC) has created this helpful tool to find your local representative https://action.asrc.org.au/call-alp
They have also provided some talking points if you are unsure what to say:
Hi, my name is...
I'm calling because I'm concerned by reports that the Albanese Government is considering restricting the work rights and appeal rights of people seeking asylum.
I don't want Australia responding to fearmongering with more cruel policies.
People seeking asylum deserve the right to work, permanent protection, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives safely.
Please tell my MP/senator that I want them to reject these reported proposals and choose compassion instead.
If you are emailing your local rep you can include the following:
I live in your electorate and I'm writing to you as my local Labor representative. I am asking you to oppose any changes that would remove work rights or weaken appeal rights for people seeking asylum.
People seeking asylum should be able to work, support themselves and their families. Removing work rights could force people who are currently working and supporting themselves into poverty.
I expect Labor to stand up for fairness, dignity and people's right to work. Not adopt policies that punish people seeking safety.