Rally against Labor's deportation and entry ban bill

The Labor government wants to impose draconian new laws that attack refugee and migrant communities in an effort to show it is as ruthless as the Coalition.

Labor wants to pass legislation aimed at forcing the deportation of asylum seekers and refugees, in an effort to defy a High Court case that could see more refugees released from detention.

It would apply not just to those in detention but bridging visa holders including the 10,000 asylum seekers rejected under the Coalition’s unfair Fast Track processing system. They have now been in Australia for over ten years but are still fighting for permanent visas.

The Bill would impose a jail sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $93,900 if refugees fail to organise their own deportation.

It also gives the government Trump-like powers to impose an entry ban on anyone from a “removal concern country” that does not accept forced deportations—meaning it is harder for the government to send asylum seekers back.

This has set off widespread concern among refugee communities, human rights organisations, and the refugee rights sector.

The changes have been stalled in the Senate but are due to be voted on in mid-May. Join this protest to call on Labor and other Senators to drop the laws and stop abusing refugee rights.

Join our protest, which will coincide with protests in other cities.

*Melbourne 2pm at the State Library. https://www.facebook.com/events/935806348003462

We will start at 12 noon at Sydney Town Hall and our march will go past the ALP offices in Sussex St.

Speakers include: Senator David Shoebridge (Greens federal immigration spokesperson). More TBA