|
|
|
|
OverviewABOUT THE JUSTICE PROJECT INC. CommitmentBasic human rights for all regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. [1] Focus To stand up for refugees, asylum seekers and those who need humanitarian protection. Values The Justice Project Inc believes in: • The Australian tradition of a fair go • Democracy, community and public service • Equality, tolerance and the celebration of diversity We want a return to an Australia that made people in genuine need feel welcome, safe and able to contribute to the community. We believe that border protection is a legitimate objective but one that has to be balanced against humanitarian considerations. We believe we can protect our borders and our values at the same time. Aim To co-ordinate an effective non-party political campaign for a fair and humane refugee policy for Australia , and to provide resources for this campaign. To restore the value of a fair go in Australian public life and policy. HistoryThe Justice Project has been set up this year by The Right Honorable Malcolm Fraser, Julian Burnside QC, Robert Manne and Young Australian of the Year, Hugh Evans. Our public officer is Kimberly Smith. WHAT WE WANTDecent treatment and fair processing for all asylum seekers and refugees, regardless of how they arrived in Australia . An end to indefinite detention Asylum seekers should only be held in detention: • To do health and security checks. • For no longer than 30 days, unless a judge is satisfied there is a security risk. They should then be released into the community on conditions that ensure they remain available for processing and, if necessary, removal from Australia. They should have a right to work, to Medicare and other benefits, until the claim for asylum is finalised. This is fairer, more humane and cheaper. It is a better way. Children out of detention No children or their families should be held in detention in Australia , Nauru or Christmas Island , or in high security "community housing". An end to offshore detention All detainees still on Nauru , and Christmas Island should be moved to Australia to finalise their claims, and get to proper advice and support. Entitlements for asylum seekers in the community Asylum seekers in the community who are waiting for their case to be determined should be allowed to work and get access to basic entitlements, including Medicare. Permanent protection Once asylum seekers are granted refugee status, they should receive permanent protection. Temporary Protection Visas should be abolished. Humanitarian protection A fair process All applications for asylum should be processed without delay, in a fair and efficient manner with all asylum seekers being treated humanely. A fair tribunal A genuinely independent tribunal should replace the Refugee Review Tribunal. Members should be appropriately qualified and appointed for a substantial fixed term. The ability of courts to correct tribunal errors should not be restricted. Openness and accountability The Australian government should accept full responsibility and accountability for the administration of detention centres and there should be complete disclosure of the costs, conditions and administration of these centres here and offshore. WHAT WE'RE DOINGThe Justice Project is running an Australia wide campaign in support of refugee policy reform in the lead up to the 2004 Federal Election. We want every voter to know where candidates, in his or her electorate and in the Senate, stand on refugee policy reform. Our primary vehicle for doing this is a questionnaire for candidates to assess their views on refugees and asylum seekers, and we are also assessing the policies of each political party. We will issue Ranking Cards in the fortnight before the election and campaign to encourage people to vote for the candidates and parties most supportive of refugees and asylum seekers. This is a grass roots campaign and is driven by volunteers in each electorate. (See Questionnaire ) The campaign builds on the very good work already done by refugee advocates in Australia and is non party-political. The project provides material and in-kind resources for existing refugee support groups, and for those wanting to form local groups, in their efforts to inform the public about the harshness and unfairness of refugee policy. We have developed a campaign kit including a set of materials to support local campaigns, material about Australia 's current immigration policies and practices, a "how to" guide on forming your own group as well as campaign ideas for existing groups. A range of other campaign materials will be produced, and where possible we may help arrange guest speakers in some targetted electorates. |
|
The Justice Project Inc -
P.O.Box 2595 Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065 |
|