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Greens take proposal for safer pathways to cross-party meeting on refugees

June 27, 2012

After consultations with experts in refugee law and protection from the Asia-Pacific region, the Greens will this morning work with concerned parliamentarians to begin negotiating a way through the current impasse on immigration policy. “The Greens approach these talks with ideas we’ve gathered from our discussions with refugee experts from across the region including Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia,” Greens’ immigration spokesperson, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said. “In talks with Asia-Pacific humanitarian and refugee agencies yesterday representatives urged Australia to uphold our…

Asylum boat tragedy could have been averted: policy change can save lives; rescue too slow

June 24, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

From the timeline of contacts between Australian authorities and the capsized asylum boat indicated by Home Affairs Ministers, Jason Clare, it seems that more timely action by the Australian rescue authorities could have averted the latest asylum boat tragedy. “There is a need for a full inquiry into the information that all Australian authorities had about this boat,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition. “The lack of coordination between Indonesia and Australian rescue authorities is a serious…

Government to blame for asylum seeker deaths at sea

June 24, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

The lives of nearly 100 asylum seekers feared drowned at sea between Australia and Indonesia were entirely preventable. The Refugee Action Collective places the blame for these lives lost with the Australian government and demands people smuggling is decriminalised to prevent any further loss of life. “Refugees are some of the world’s most vulnerable people. They need our help, not the various stages of torture we put them through to try and stop them from seeking asylum. We should help…

World Refugee Day figures separate Australian myths from reality: Greens

June 22, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

The Australian Greens say figures released for World Refugee Day today put Australia’s share of the global challenge into perspective. “On World Refugee Day, the Greens renew their call for a fair go for refugees,” Greens’ immigration spokesperson, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said. “Today we give thanks for generations of refugees who have helped improve Australia in a myriad of ways including our cultural, foods, sport, education and business worlds. “It’s important we keep the numbers in perspective because as the…

Australian Greens statement on asylum boat tragedy

June 22, 2012

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Archived Press Releases

The sinking of an asylum seeker boat north of Christmas Island yesterday is a tragedy, the Australian Greens said this morning. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this awful tragedy, and we hope that as the rescue operation continues more survivors will be found,” Greens’ immigration spokesperson, Sen. Sarah Hanson-Young, said. “We express our support for the brave efforts of all Australian and Indonesian personnel involved in the rescue effort. “The Australian Greens reaffirm our…