Sarah Stephen, Sydney
The Howard government's decision some months back to release families and many asylum seekers from long-term detention represented a significant win for the refugee-rights movement. But the harsh refugee policy remains, and the question many activists and support groups are asking is, where next to take the campaign?
Some may feel that their work is now done. Others say that the central elements of the government's policy remain intact, and that the campaign to end mandatory detention and for a humanitarian refugee policy must continue.
Sydney's Refugee Action Coalition is convinced of the latter and has called a day-long forum on October 22, "Where to now? Building the next phase of the refugee movement", the aim of which is to facilitate some discussion about this.
John Casey, a forum organiser, told Green Left Weekly, "The sense I get is that the wider community now thinks the 'problem is solved'. They've seen the amendments in response to [Liberal MPs'] backbench revolt, and people are sure there will be change in response to the Palmer report [into the detention of Cornelia Rau]. But the problem is not solved — not by a long shot. The policy is basically still the same, even if they have taken off some of the worse rough edges. Those who have been released are living without support and with a lot of uncertainty."
Susan Metcalfe, Nauru researcher and advocate, and one of the guest speakers, agrees. She told GLW, "We are only at the beginning of a concerted community effort to change the culture and resultant policies which have caused so much suffering to people seeking asylum in recent years. As long as indefinite mandatory detention, offshore processing and temporary visa policies remain in place, we cannot afford to lose momentum in our campaign. It is vital to discuss how to deal with the devastating consequences of past and present policies and attitudes, and how to consolidate our efforts for future change."
The forum will discuss a range of issues with refugee advocates including Metcalfe, Louise Boon-Kuo from the Refugee Advice and Casework Service, former ABC broadcaster John Highfield, the House of Welcome's David Francis and 21-year-old Afghan refugee Ali, who spent four years on Nauru.
A series of workshops will focus on understanding the problems, including Islamophobia and increased ASIO powers, the history of Australia's response to immigrants and refugees, and alternatives to detention. A significant part of the day will discuss action strategies for forcing an end to the current policies and supporting refugees in the community.
The forum will also discuss issuing a joint communique — "A call for real change" summarising the changes in refugee policy needed.
[For more information, phone Mark on 0422 078 376 or Sarah 0421 326 987. Check the calender on page 27 for details.]
From Green Left Weekly, October 12, 2005.
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