Keywords: Immigration Reform
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INTERNATIONAL
- Kerry Murphy
- 02 November 2009
3 Comments
When debating key issues such as the balance between sovereignty and the human rights of asylum seekers, we can sometimes forget that we're dealing with people. What's clear for advocates can pose difficulties for politicians.
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INTERNATIONAL
- Kerry Murphy
- 07 October 2009
13 Comments
Homosexuals in Iran and allegedly 'adulterous' women in some countries are at risk of execution. Such cases may not qualify for refugee status in Australia, but would benefit from a 'complementary protection' Bill currently before Parliament.
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AUSTRALIA
- Kerry Murphy
- 11 September 2009
1 Comment
On Wednesday, the Senate made two decisions which take immigration reform forward. The reforms
were approved with the support of the Greens and Independents, and one
Liberal Senator. Reading the Hansard gives some insight into the
current debate.
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AUSTRALIA
- Kerry Murphy
- 11 September 2009
6 Comments
Senator Judith Troeth is one of few Liberals who have spoken out against harsh features of immigration policy under Howard. In crossing the floor to vote with the Government this week, she said the Liberal Party 'has a proud story to tell on immigration, but both parties over the last 50 years have written some bleak chapters too'
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AUSTRALIA
- Kerry Murphy
- 01 July 2009
1 Comment
'Migration reform' rarely has positive
connotations when dealing with refugees and asylum seekers. As asylum seekers continue to reach Australia by boat, reforms to Labor's immigration policies point to a more just approach.
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AUSTRALIA
- Kerry Murphy
- 20 November 2008
1 Comment
The Rudd Government's abolition of the Temporary Protection Visa on 9 August was a source of deep hope for refugees and their supporters. However the new rule has not yet been applied to many older cases, and there is no pressure on officials to act quickly.
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AUSTRALIA
- Deborah Singerman
- 07 October 2008
9 Comments
Gay equality is a touchstone by which to measure politicians' moderate credentials. Turnbull's support is not totally altruistic: the inner-Sydney seat he represents has one of Australia's largest gay and lesbian populations.
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AUSTRALIA
- David Holdcroft
- 04 August 2008
8 Comments
Last week's changes to Australia's asylum policy remove the worst aspects of a cruel system. The real test is if the Rudd Government is willing to take on the causes of forced migration, rather than continuing to shift the burden elsewhere.
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INTERNATIONAL
- Kerry Murphy
- 30 July 2008
7 Comments
Yesterday's announcement of the Government's policy shift away from indefinite detention of asylum seekers brings Australia closer to UNHCR recommendations. It remains to be seen if it will have the courage of its convictions if more boats do arrive.
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RELIGION
- Frank Brennan
- 26 May 2008
1 Comment
The text is from Professor Frank Brennan's 2008 Institute of Justice Studies Oration from 22 May 2008.
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AUSTRALIA
Australia's refugee regime may represent the Western world's worst practice. The Government has
abolished flawed and dehumanising temporary protection visas, but a more substantial review is required to ensure asylum seekers enjoy equal protection under Australian law.
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AUSTRALIA
- Kerry Murphy
- 19 February 2008
10 Comments
Senator Chris Evans refused a protection visa to convicted people smuggler 'Mr A', even though he was assessed by Immigration as a refugee. Senator Evans had an opportunity to improve upon the previous government's treatment of asylum seekers, but instead reverted to the same hostile rhetoric.
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