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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.
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.
Dr Kylie Baxter works in the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies, Asia Institute, the University of Melbourne. She is co-author of the forthcoming US Foreign Policy in the Middle East: the rise of anti-Americanism and is currently in Beirut researching the situation of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.
Using anecdotal evidence to back up government policy is dangerous. There are as many positive anecdotes about Africans as Minister Andrews has negative. Teaching refugees, you build relationships, offer students the opportunity to express themselves, and know that their life stories are respected.
Israel is yet to justify its deportation of 48 Sudanese asylum seekers in August. It appears this action could be part of a blanket closed door policy that precludes the proper assessment of asylum claims according to Israel's legal and ethical obligations.
Australia's treatment of refugees has been out of the headlines for some months, perhaps due to changes in the Department after the Cornelia Rau scandal. But despite some improvements, Australian refugee policy remains destructive.
The fate of those who are found not to be refugees, and of those refugees who are not accepted by the United States, will remain one of torment.
Georgina Pike is the Information and Advocacy Officer for the Jesuit Refugee Service (Australia). Her work involves project development, communications, publications and advocacy on policy issues that affect asylum seekers in Australia. She has studied English Literature and Law and lives in Sydney.
Andrew Hamilton is a Jesuit priest. He taught theology at the United Faculty of Theology for many years, and has contributed widely to theological and religious journals. He has had a long-standing engagement with refugee communities and issues. He is currently editorial consultant of Eureka Street and a policy officer with Jesuit Social Services.
Tony Kevin is a former Australian ambassador to Cambodia and Poland, and the author of Crunch Time, a book exploring Australia's inadequate policy responses to the climate change crisis. His most recent book is Reluctant Rescuers (2012). His previous publication on refugee boat tragedy — A Certain Maritime Incident — was the recipient of a NSW Premier's literary award in 2005.
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