The Wire

A forum with the theme, ‘Closed Hearts, Closed Borders’ will be held in Melbourne tonight, addressing the Government’s proposed changes to the Migration Act. Last month, the Minister for Immigration, Amanda Vanstone, proposed that all unauthorised boat arrivals to Australia will now have to have their claims for asylum assessed offshore. The legislation, which has already recieved much criticism, is expected to be released next week, but may be overshadowed by the release of the May Budget. Father Peter Norden will be a key speaker at tonight’s forum in Melbourne and he spoke to Catherine Graue. Kate Gauthier, the national coordinator for refugee advocate group, ‘A Just Australia’ explains what the effects of the proposed changes will be.