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New changes to Migration Act target refugees who arrive by boat

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Under existing migration law, asylum seekers intercepted at sea or arriving at Christmas Island, the Cocos Islands, or Ashmore reef can be sent offshore for processing Besides from the disadvantages faced by people who arrive by boat, Dr Graham Thom argues that the policy misses the mark entirely – as it is solely focused on deterring asylum seekers from getting on the boats without dealing with the motivations compelling people to move within the Asia-Pacific region.

The Gillard Government, committed to implementing all the recommendations from the Houston report on asylum seekers, today moved to amend the Migration Act to expand the migration excise zone to cover the entire Australian mainland. Academics and refugee rights advocates both believe that this policy deliberately discriminates against asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat, and is a step back for refugee rights protection in Australia.

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Tuesday, October 30 2012
Produced By Caitlin Gibson
Featured in storyDr Graham Thom - Refugee Rights Co-ordinator Amnesty International AustraliaAndrew Bartlett - College of Law ANU
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