MEDIA RELEASE

Federal Election Called: JRS Australia Urges Political Leaders to Commit to Fair and Just Policies for People Seeking Asylum

With the announcement of the federal election, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia calls on all political parties to commit to policies that uphold the dignity and rights of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia.

For over a decade, punitive policies have inflicted harm on individuals seeking safety, leaving thousands in uncertainty and hardship. JRS Australia is a member of the Catholic Alliance for People seeking Asylum (CAPSA) and together we are urging all candidates and parties to adopt fair and humane policies, including:

• End the uncertainty for people seeking asylum by providing fair and timely pathways to permanency in Australia
• Ensure people seeking asylum have access to work and study rights, as well as other public services including Medicare, housing and financial support
• End offshore detention and processing and quickly re-settle all people in Australia.
• Increase Australia’s humanitarian intake and expand the existing community support program which covers most expenses and assists arrivals to integrate with society.

“The Catholic social tradition calls on us to welcome the stranger and uphold the dignity of all people. This upcoming election we ask political leaders to demonstrate real moral leadership by prioritising just and compassionate policies for people seeking asylum,” said Josephine Rechichi, Acting Country Director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia.

As campaigning begins, many people seeking asylum are experiencing heightened anxiety, knowing that the outcome of this election will have a direct impact in determining their futures. The uncertainty they have endured for years is compounded by the risk of being used as a political tool to create division in election rhetoric.

Thanush Selvarasa, a beloved and active member of the Australian community, has been in Australia’s asylum system for over 10 years.

“Every election, we are waiting in limbo to see what our future is going to look like and if we will see our families again. Every time we hope for change, and every time we have been disappointed. Australia is our home and we need to have certainty that our future is here,” said Thanush Selvarasa, an advocate with lived experience of seeking asylum.

Thanush is still stuck in limbo, without a guaranteed permanent future in Australia.

JRS Australia, alongside other organisations supporting refugees and people seeking asylum, signed an open letter to the leaders of Australia’s major political parties, urging them to conduct the election campaign with integrity and to refrain from spreading misinformation or using divisive rhetoric when speaking about people seeking asylum.

“We urge all voters this election to remember that your voice matters. This is about the kind of country we want to be. Use your vote to stand up for the rights of those who don’t get a say, and let’s fight for a more compassionate Australia.” said Amelia Savage, Head of Policy, Advocacy and Communications at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia.

MEDIA CONTACT

Molly Jackson – Communications Manager at JRS Australia
communications@jrs.org.au