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