Of the many dark chapters in Australia’s recent migration policy history, two rare positive decisions should serve as a guide for the future.
In 2015, as Islamic State rampaged across Syria, the Abbott government agreed to permanently resettle 12,000 refugees, with women, children and families from persecuted minorities taking priority.
Then, amid Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, the Morrison government fast-tracked visa extensions for Ukrainians in Australia and offered temporary three-year protection visas for thousands of others.
Crucially, these cohorts were in addition to the existing annual humanitarian intake, meaning Australia was finally doing more than the bare minimum to help those in crisis. Neither decision was controversial or unpopular.
Now, as war rages in Iran, the Albanese government has taken a very different approach. So far, it has not devised any new offers of protection for the many Iranians already in Australia who are fearful of returning. And instead of opening our arms to 7200 Iranians who have permission to travel here on various short-term visas, Labor is shutting the door.
New legislation that passed parliament last week gives Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke the power to block these people from landing in Australia while the war is raging. The government argues the move is essential to maintain control over who comes here and why.
The juxtaposition of slamming the door shut on the many while trumpeting the granting of asylum to a handful of lucky soccer players is difficult to justify.
It has gone down like a lead balloon with Iranian refugees who have spent years in Australia waiting for a resolution on their own futures. As Bevan Shields reports, Burke’s intervention was bittersweet for refugees entangled in a system not known for speed or deep political involvement. None begrudges the players, but they are stung by the contrast between the overnight granting of asylum for high-profile cases, and the many others whose stories do not play out in the public eye.
A strong case is emerging for Australia to do more to support decent Iranians who want to stay and contribute. This should be a holistic package which covers Iranian refugees who have been in limbo in Australia for up to 13 years, as well as those who either recently arrived or had planned to. Like the Abbott and Morrison decisions in 2015 and 2022, this support should be in addition to the standard humanitarian intake, and not come from within it.
The Herald urges the government and others in the debate to not confuse this issue with the broader tensions around Australia’s immigration levels.
While many Australians have concerns over the general migration program, the public would support doing more to help those who face an evil regime which slaughters protesters, throws gay men off buildings, oppresses the rights of women – and whose country is being blown to bits.
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