Citizens for Change on Asylum Seekers

Manifesto

July 2015

2015 Manifesto

Citizens for Change on Asylum Seekers (CCAS) implores our politicians to give us leadership on the issue of refugees and asylum seekers. Community opinion has moved on and wants policies driven by humanitarian imperatives rather than the electoral needs of domestic politics.

The time is right to recognize there is a powerful movement of citizens from all walks of life who, regardless of their political persuasion, want an approach that promotes the true values of Australians.

An approach that does not accept locking innocent men, women and children away offshore, that does not accept the disastrous consequences of pushing back boats, but instead sees asylum seekers, not as a problem, but as an opportunity.

We are losing face around the world through our stop the boats policy. This needs to end if we desire to be one of the world’s upstanding global players. We must not shirk the humanitarian responsibilities that we have agreed to. The current approach has cost thousands of lives and literally billions of dollars.

It is time to restore our reputation as a kind and friendly people who embrace equality and value a fair go. Too many of us now wish to extend our hand to those in need and to do so in a way that makes us proud to be Australian. To achieve this:

We beseech Australians to stop thinking of refugees as a problem but rather to see the opportunities they bring to enrich our nation through work, culture and the broadening of our horizons. We are concerned that Australia no longer has the humanity it possessed when we successfully brought nearly 100,000 Vietnamese to safety in the 1970s.

Australia needs to recognise the inhumanity of ‘deterrence’ policies. Australia would have to make conditions worse than those asylum seekers are fleeing to be effective. The Australian public must be given the broader facts about the billions being spent on offshore processing and border protection. Official estimates are that $475,000 per asylum seeker is spent each year to incarcerate innocent men, women and children on Nauru and Manus Island.

Detention of children irrefutably leads to serious harm. Their guardianship should be moved from the Immigration Minister to an independent guardian. In order for refugee children to become productive, well-adjusted citizens, no child should be kept in detention.

We need to cooperate internationally by facilitating increased protection of asylum seekers by fast and fair processing of claims without the use of punitive detention. During the determination process safety must be provided, along with access to education, employment and healthcare. As recommended by key organisations in this sector, we propose immediately increasing our refugee intake from 13,750 to 30,000, or to 15% of Australia’s annual overall migration intake, which is currently 190,000.

It is necessary to place key emphasis on bolstering an Asia Pacific Regional Cooperation Framework, which requires Australia to collaborate multilaterally with the region’s governments, the UN agencies, and the Regional Support Office in Bangkok to strengthen its operations and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to collaborate in the region.

The UNHCR’s Regional Cooperation Framework as presented to the Bali Process should be actively pursued, ending mandatory offshore detention and strengthening local processing centres in neighbouring countries. A substantial number of places and clear and orderly pathways to Australia need to be established for those at risk of taking boat journeys from our immediate neighbours. This will guarantee the protection of asylum seekers, stop deaths at sea, make the ‘turn back the boats’ policy redundant, and see an end to offshore processing in Nauru and Manus Island.

Bi-lateral arrangements with poverty stricken countries to take our refugees must stop. The public needs to know that Cambodia’s agreement to take up to 10 refugees from Australia and Nauru each year for four years is costing the Australian taxpayer $1 million per refugee.

Guarantees against refoulement (returning refugees to their country of persecution) are crucial. The public needs to be given a clear understanding that asylum seekers who come here for economic purposes, and are not escaping persecution, will be returned to their country of origin. Asylum seekers are not to be discriminated against by their mode of arrival and must have the right to work and to basic health and support services whilst on bridging visas. The public should be informed that only 1% of refugees in UN camps are ever able to be resettled. Those remaining might be there for generations.

The right to family reunion is essential to the well being of refugees. It will facilitate meaningful and productive contributions to our country. Processing centers should be established in rural parts of Australia where initial health, security and identity checks can be performed whilst allowing applicants to work and settle in these communities which are deeply in need of a stronger workforce.

Alternative pathways for refugees to seek asylum should be utilised. A skilled workforce agency could be used to screen applicants for 457 visas in countries of second asylum. Other visa categories should be established such as the Special Assistance Visa category for key populations in need of protection, for example war zones, with at-risk populations determined by a government-sponsored selection body.

The Community Proposal Pilot (private sponsorship of refugees) should be continued with these places being additional to the intake quota of 30,000. The practice of reducing the quota by the number of boat arrivals needs to end. Only Australia does this.

It is necessary that regressive amendments to the Migration Act and other pieces of legislation are removed to allow the country to move towards a more humane approach to asylum seekers. Accordingly, the Australian Border Force Act (constraining doctors exercising their duty of care), the Legacy Case Load Bill and the Protection and Other Measures Bill (which include reintroducing TPVs and removing babies to Nauru) need to be repealed, and the mainland should no longer be excised from the migration zone.

It is imperative that there be a reintroduction of references to the UN Convention for Refugees into the Migration Act, a vital tool to protecting the human rights of all asylum seekers and refugees.

We urge Australia to take a stronger, bolder, more humane approach to refugee laws in Australia, not only to uphold our status as a world-class leader of human rights, but to better represent who we are as a people.

Sincerely, CCAS members, and supporting citizen signees below:

CCAS are a collaboration of key highly informed, politically unaligned individuals and organisations who support a humanitarian response to asylum seekers.

Our politicians talk a lot about refugees but you never hear the words: “We’re working on ways to end war and conflict so that the ever increasing number of refugees will be drastically reduced.” It’s about time we started hearing politicians talking in this vein. …regards, Ian Chappell

G'day all at CCAS, I would be proud to add my name to the list of concerned Citizens for Change on Asylum Seekers. As a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, I have produced four documentaries on the plight of refugees. They did not appear to be opportunists or victims, they looked like heroes to me, seeking refuge and a better life for themselves and their families in the face of extraordinary odds. I regard our current policy as inhuman and cruel. As an Australian citizen I am ashamed of our government's policy regarding asylum seekers. …Jack Thompson AM, PhD

The late Hon. Malcolm Fraser is acknowledged for initiating and having input to the work of CCAS. His legacy will be remembered.

CCAS CONSULTANTS Allan Asher Lawyer, Former Commonwealth Ombudsman

Julian Burnside AO, QC, Sydney Peace Prize Barrister, Advocate

Misha Coleman Executive Officer of the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce

Robin de Crespigny, Human Rights Award for Literature CCAS Founder, Author, Filmmaker

Bill Ethell Former National President of the BWIU, Skipper of the Pacific Peacemaker

Jana Favero Asylum Resource Centre

Erika Feller Former Assistant High Commissioner UNHCR

Phil Glendenning President of the Refugee Council and Director of the Edmund Rice Centre

Janet Holmes à Court AC, FAHA, National Living Treasure Business Executive, Arts Patron

Ged Kearney President ACTU

Ian McPhee AO Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs 1979-82

Shane Prince Barrister, Advocate

22 August 2015 SIGNATORIES

Jim Brown CCAS Campaign Coordinator

Henrietta de Crespigny CCAS Research Coordinator

SIGNATORIES

Dr. Robert Adler, MBBS, PhD, M.Crim (For. Psych.), FRACP, FRANZCP, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Noel Ancell OAM, Music Director

Neil Armfield AO Theatre, Opera & Screen Director

Gillian Armstrong AM, AACTA Award Film Director

Dr. Michael S. Armstrong, MB, BS, MD, M.Psychotherapy, DPM., FIA.Psych., FRC.Psych. Psychiatrist

David Arnault Novelist, a poet and a publisher

Kate Atkinson Actor, co-founder of Actors for Refugees, Patron of Sanctuary Foundation

Jeannie Baker Artist, Author

Greg Barns Barrister, former National President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, Writer

John Bell AO, OBE Bell Shakespeare

Sara Bennett Film Editor (retired), Head of Editing Dept. at Australian Film, Television and Radio School 1994-2000

Emeritus Prof. Sidney Bloch Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne

Dr. Anne Boyd AM Composer

Russell Boyd ACS ASC, Academy Award for Cinematography Director of Photography

Anna Broinowski Filmmaker, Writer

Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize for Fiction; Dayton Literary Peace Prize for Lifetime Achievement Author

22 August 2015 2 SIGNATORIES

Ann Brown Former Financial Manager Belvoir Street Theatre

Darleen Bungey Author

Prof. David Burgner, BSc(Hons), MB, ChB, MRCP, MRCPCH, DTM&H, FRACP, PhD University of Melbourne, Paediatrician

Pastor David Busch Uniting Church, Coordinator of Redlands for Refugees (Brisbane)

Barbara Cail AO, Centenary Medal Business Executive

Peter Carey AO, FRSL, Man Booker Prize, Miles Franklin Award Author

Penny Carl-Nelson Film Producer, Film Finance

Prof. Stephen Castles Research Chair in Sociology; Member of the Advisory Committee of the Andrew and Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at the University of New South Wales

Dr. Chris Caton Chief Economist, BT Financial Group

Greg Champion Singer, Songwriter

Ian Chappell Former Captain Australian Cricket Team, Commentator and Sports Journalist

Fr. George Charles Anglican Priest

Barbara A Chobocky Filmmaker

Commissioner James Condon Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory

Dr Andrew Court, MBBS, FRACP, FRANZCP, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Geoffrey Cousins AM President Australian Consevation Foundation, Business Executive, Author

Mike Coward Senior cricket writer, commentator and author

Lynne Crilley pbvm Justice Coordinator Presentation Sisters

22 August 2015 3 SIGNATORIES

Marion Crooke Victorian Women’s Trust

Mary Crooks OA, Centenary Medal Executive Director Victorian Women’s Trust

Chris Cull Human Rights Advocate

Pamela Curr Refugee and Detention Rights Advocate, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Prof. Ann Curthoys Honorary Professor of History at the University of Sydney; Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities; Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.

Burkhard Dallwitz, Australian Screen Music Award Screen Composer

Dur-e Dara OAM Philanthropist, Businesswoman, Restaurateur, Victorian Women’s Trust

Stuart Davey Director Glebe Justice Centre

Justine Davis, BLegS, MA, MIK, JP Coordinator DASSAN ( Darwin Asylum Seekers Support and Advocacy Network)

Julian Day Composer, Artist

Brett Dean, Grawemeyer Award, Paul Lowen Prize, Australian Art Music Award Composer

Carol Dettmann Education

Anne Deveson AO, Hon.D Litt ( NSW), UN Special Gold Citations Media Peace Prize Author, Broadcaster, Community Health, Filmmaker

Ceridwen Dovey Author

Irina Dunn Former Senator for NSW in the Australian Parliament; Arts Administrator

Dr. Ross Edwards AM, Australian Art Music Award Composer

Prof. Elizabeth Elliott AM Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health The Children’s Hospital, Westmead

Dr. June Factor Convenor, Befriend a Child in Detention Project ; Co-editor, International Journal of Play, Honorary Senior Fellow School of Historical & Philosophical Studies University of Melbourne

Warren Fahey AM, Centenary Medal, Don Banks Award for Services to Music Cultural historian, author and performer, Don Banks Music Award for lifetime service to music

22 August 2015 4 SIGNATORIES

Philip Feinstein Music For Refugees

Steven Fisher Restaurateur, Hospitality Concept Professional

Pat Fiske Filmmaker

Dr Stephen FitzGerald AO Former Ambassador to China; formerly Chair, Committee to Advise on Australia's Immigration Policies, Chair, Asian Studies Council, Chair, Asia-Australia Institute

Dr. Caroline Fleay Senior Lecturer, Human Rights Education, Curtin University

Dr. Andrew Ford, Paul Lowin Prize, Albert H. Maggs Composition Award, Australian Art Music Award Composer

Hester Fraser – GOLDHEIST Composer, Singer, Musician, The Hon. Mr. Fraser’s Granddaughter

Rod Freedman Filmmaker

Anna Funder, WA Premier’s Prize, Miles Franklin Award, Samuel Johnson Prize Author

Chris Fussell Artist

Frances Fussell Artist

Lisa Gerrard, Golden Globe Award, Australian Screen Music Award Composer, Vocalist

Simon Gilby Artist

Richard Gill OAM, Centenary Medal Conductor, Music Educator

George Gittoes AM, Sydney Peace Prize, Centenary Medal, Hon.Litt.D Artist, Filmmaker

Tim Gooden Secretary Geelong Trades Hall

Renee Goossens Former SBSTV editor, Arts Advocate

Christopher Gordon, Centenary Medal, AACTA Award Composer

Prof. Lyn Gorman Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Charles Sturt University (retired)

22 August 2015 5 SIGNATORIES

Emeritus Prof. Kerry Goulston AO, MD, FRACP Sydney University, Sydney Medical School

Diane Grady AM, BA, MA, MBA, FAICD Business Executive

Iain Grandage, Five Helpman Awards Composer, Honorary Research Fellow, University of Western Australia

Kevin Greenhatch, B.Arch, ARAIA Architect

Dr. Kate Grenville, FAHA, Commonwealth Writer’s Prize, NSW Premier’s Literary Award Author

Guy Gross, Australian Screen Music Award Composer, Film Producer

Sandra Gross Film Producer

Yoram Gross Film Director, Film Producer

Mac Gudgeon, AACTA Award Screenwriter

Dr. Hasantha Gunasekera, MBBS, DCH, MIPH (Hons), FRACP, PhD Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital

Marilyn Hadfield Psychologist

Bruce Haigh Political Commentator and retired Diplomat

Graeme Harris Chair of Church Council, Geelong City Parish of Uniting Church in Australia

Kaye Harrison Filmmaker

Dr. Lisa Hartley Lecturer, Centre for Human Rights Education, Faculty of Humanities, Curtin University

Jo Hawke Human Rights Advocate

Gerard Hayes NSW Secretary and National Assistant Secretary Health Services Union

Rachel Healey Co-Artistic Director Adelaide Arts Festival

Rev. John Henderson Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia

22 August 2015 6 SIGNATORIES

Peter Hennessy Managing Director of St Francis Social Services

Dr. Daphne Hewson Psychologist

Missy Higgins Singer, Songwriter

Rowland Hill Chief Administrator of The Thomas Foundation

David Hirschfelder, Academy Award nominee, BAFTA Award, AACTA Award Screen Composer

Dorothy Hoddinott AO, FACE, Hon. DlDLitt. Australian Human Rights Medalist Pro-Chancellor and Fellow of the Senate of the University of Sydney, Principal Holroyd High School

Tony Horwitz, Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting Journalist, Writer

Bishop Philip Huggins Chair of the Anglican Church of Australia's General Synod Working Group on Refugee & Asylum Seeker issues

Prof. David Isaacs, MBBChir, MD, FRACP, FRCPCH Clinical Professor in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney

Mark Isaacs Author

Linda Jaivin Author

Alan John Composer

Assoc. Prof. Alyson Kakakios OAM, MB, BS, FRACP University of Sydney, Paediatrician

Andrew Kaldor AM Founder Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, Business Executive, Philanthropist

Renata Kaldor AO, Centenary Medal Founder Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, Business Executive, Philanthropist

Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM CEO and Founder Asylum Seeker Resource Centre

Thomas Keneally AO, Man Booker Prize, Miles Franklin Award, Prime Minister’s Literary Award Author, Playwright

Adjunct Assoc. Prof. Henry Kilham, MB, BS, Grad Dip Bioethics, FRACP University of Sydney, Paediatrician

Julia King AM, NOM (France) Business Executive

22 August 2015 7 SIGNATORIES

Ian Kortlang Advisory Board of the Kaldor Centre

Michelle de Kretser, FAHA, Miles Franklin Award Author

Carolyn Landon Author

Anne Lane pbvm Convenor, Catholics in Coalition for Justice and Peace (CCJP)

Benjamin Law Freelance Writer

Hon. Prof. Carmen Lawrence Former Premier of WA, Former Federal Minister for Health and Human Services, Former Federal President of the ALP

Jeannie Lewis Singer

David Leser, Walkley Award Author, Feature Writer, Interviewer

Hilary Linstead Theatrical Agent and Producer (retired), Writer

Antony Loewenstein Independent journalist, Guardian columnist, Author

Mrs Sue Longmore OAM Community Arts, Refugee Advocate, Queenscliff RAR

Helen Lynch AM, Centenary Medal Company Director, Finance, Arts

Paul Mac Musician, Producer, DJ, Human

Marion Macdonald Journalist

Dee Madigan Creative Director Madigan Communications, Author, Political Commentator

Tracy Mann, AACTA Award Actor

Miriam Margolyes O.B.E., Hon.Litt.D, BAFTA Award Actor

Adrian Mauriks Sculptor

Alanna Maycock Refugee Coordinator, TB Surveillance & Infection Control, Microbiology

22 August 2015 8 SIGNATORIES

Margot McDonald Film Producer

Ross McGregor Theatre Director, Writer

Marshall McGuire Harpist, Artistic Director

Jeannette McHugh Member of the Australian Parliament 1983-1996

Ian McHutchison OAM Director

Jarrod McKenna National Director of Common Grace

Stuart McMillan President Uniting Church of Australia

John Menadu AO Former Sec. Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Sec. Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ambassador to Japan and CEO Qantas

Kate Miller-Heidke Singer, Composer

Marty Morrison Great Lakes Rural Australians for Refugees (GLRAR)

Graeme Murphy AO, National Living Treasure Choreographer

Peta Murray, Centenary Medal, Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Drama Playwright, Community Artist

Joanna Murray-Smith, Victorian Premier’s Literary Award, NSW Premier’s Literary Award Playright, Author, Screenwriter

Cindy Nancarrow Writer and teacher

Prof. Louise Newman AM Director Centre For Women’s Health

Michael Nolan Director Wesley Centre Geelong

Emeritus Prof. Kim Oates AM, MD, DSc, MHP, FRACP, FRCP, FAFPHM University of Sydney, Paediatrician

Dr. Heather O’Connor OAM Education, Author

Christine Olsen Screenwriter, Film Producer

22 August 2015 9 SIGNATORIES

Patricia O’Shane AM, National Living Treasure, LL.D (hc), LL.B., LL.M. Solicitor & Barrister (NSW)

Emeritus Prof. John Painter AM, Musician, Former Director Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Former Director ANU School of Music

The Hon. George Palmer AM, QC Composer, Former Justice of the Supreme Court of NSW

Leonie Palmer-Fisher Hospitality Concept Professional, Restaurateur, Writer

Antony Partos, AACTA Award, Australian Screen Music Award Screen Composer

Anne Paul Manager Victorian Women’s Trust

Margaret Pomeranz AM Film Critic, Television Producer, The Movie Show

Rev. Elenie Poulos National Director UnitingJustice Australia, Uniting Church in Australia

Nicholas Poynder Barrister

Prof. Noel Preston AM, Th D. Griffith University retired, Uniting Church minister retired

Angela Punch McGregor, AACTA Award Actor, Educator

Jill Reichstein OAM Philanthropist, Chair Reichstein Foundation

Robert Richter QC Barrister

Silvio Rivier Producer/Presenter SBS TV (retired)

Margret RoadKnight Singer

Sr. Libby Rogerson ibvm Coordinator Loreto Sisters Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation

Emeritus Prof. John Rosenberg Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Relations) La Trobe University

Richard Roxburgh, AACTA Award, Logie Award Actor

Dr. Anna Rubbo, Life Fellow Australian Institute of Architects Architect, Academic

22 August 2015 10 SIGNATORIES

Ellery Ryan ACS, AACTA Award Director of Photography

Dr. John-Paul Sanggaran, MBBS, M.H.Med, B.H.Sc; Former IHMS Medical Officer

Jan Sardi, Acadamy Award nominee, AACTA Award Screenwriter

Anne Schofield Antiques Specialist

Tess Schofield Costume Designer

Anna Schwartz Anna Schwartz Gallery

Morry Schwartz AM Chairman, Schwartz Media Pty Ltd

Jane Scott, Acadamy Award nominee, AACTA Award Film Producer

Stephen Sewell, AACTA Award, Vic. Premier’s Literary Award, NSW Premier’s Literary Award Writer, Playwright, Screenwriter, Screen Director

Dr. Sandra Short Cosmetic Dentist

Cezary Skubiszewski, Australian Screen Music Award, AACTA Award Screen Composer

Dr Peter Slezak Associate Professor in Philosophy, University of New South Wales

Emeritus Prof. Charles Sowerwine, FAHA University of Melbourne

Tracey Spicer Newsreader, Journalist

Dr. Paul Stanhope, Sidney Myer Creative Fellow, Toru Takemitsu Prize, Australian Art Music Award Composer

Rt. Rev. John Stead Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Willochra

Elizabeth Stone Associate General Secretary, National Council of Churches in Australia

David Stratton AO, Centenary Medal Film Critic, The Movie Show

Simon Tedeschi Musician

22 August 2015 11 SIGNATORIES

David Thomas OAM Founder, The Thomas Foundation

Jack Thompson AM, Ph.D. Actor

Mrs. Jan Trengove OAM Uniting Church, Community

Toby Truslove Actor

Sophia Turkiewicz Film Director

Satu Vänskä Violinist

Janet Vernon AM Associate Choreographer

Carl Vine AO, Don Banks Music Award, Australian Art Music Award, Australian Screen Music Award Composer

Anna Volska Actor

Lyn Walker Director Lyn Walker & Associates Consulting, Former Executive Manager VicHealth

Virginia Walker OAM Chairperson Bridge for Asulum Seekers Foundation

Storry Walton Filmmaker, Author, Former Director of the Australian Film Television and Radio School

Judy Watson Visual Artist

Dr. Nigel Westlake, Paul Lowenstein Award, ARIA Award, Australian Screen Music Award Composer

Kim Williams AM Media Executive

David Williamson AO Playwright, Screenwriter

Felix Williamson Actor, Theatre Producer

Kristin Williamson Journalist, Novelist, Biographer, Screenwriter

Matt Williamson General Manager AKA Australia, Former CEO Colmar Brunton

22 August 2015 12 SIGNATORIES

Rory Williamson Actor

Tim Winton, Miles Franklin Award, NSW Premiere’s Literary Award, Qld Premier’s Literary Award Author

Caroline Wood Director Margaret River Press (WA)

John Wood Director Margaret River Press (WA)

Adam Worling Adam Worling Public Relations

Caitlin Yeo, AACTA Award, Australian Screen Music Award Composer

Jeswynn Yogaratnam Chair NT Council for Human Rights Education, NT IHL Committee

Arnold Zable Author

Jonathan Zwartz Composer, Musician

Dr. David Zyngier Eductaion Faculty Monash University

22 August 2015 13

“I would be proud to have my name put forward in the effort to change the morally bankrupt path upon which we are now treading. I have close friends in the public service who also support the manifesto but who are forbidden to speak out in this world of secrecy and sewn lips we live in. Might there not be a memorial in the list of people, a symbol representing all those of good heart who are forbidden to speak freely in this land of free speech?” …David Arnault, Novelist, Poet and Publisher

“Gawd knows something has to happen to change this hideous situation.” …Warren Fahey AM

“The Manifesto is the cry from all of our hearts.” …Linda Jaivin, Author

“Considering the appalling state of affairs, signing the Manifesto is the least I can do. “ …Benjamin Law, Writer

“As a very New Australian, I want my nation to be associated with compassion not cruelty.” …Miriam Margolyes O.B.E., Hon. Litt.D

“How I wish the worth and value of the principles expressed in the Manifesto could be understood and recognised by those who have the power to help us restore the pride we used to enjoy as being Australian. As it is, presently one can only weep when one sees the devastating actions being perpetrated in our name by those elected by our population to represent us with some sense of international statesmanship, dignity and humanity. These days, when travelling, I am hesitant and certainly ashamed to admit to my Australian heritage.” …John Painter AM

CONTACT: Robin de Crespigny [email protected] 0411 136 044