Refugee Policy Forum - Melbourne

15 June 2005

A Just Australia, the national campaign of Australians for Just Refugee Programs , is pleased to announce a public forum on refugee policy to be held at Melbourne University, Friday 17th June 2005 at 7.00 pm.

Speakers include: Petro Georgiou, MP; Corrine Grant of ABC TVs The Glasshouse; David Mann, Co-ordinator of the Refugee and Immigration Legal Centre (RILC); Grant Mitchell of the Asylum Seeker Centre of Uniting Care's Hotham Mission.

Petro Georgiou will be outlining his Private Member's Bill to reform mandatory detention. Given the recent revelations of serious problems in both detention centres and the Department of Immigration, it is important that this Bill be fully and openly debated.

A Just Australia will be presenting Mr Georgiou with a framed letter of appreciation for his work on refugee policy reform.

David Manne will outline the current legal framework for seeking asylum, and the problems in the new bridging visa offered by the Government which removes people's legal rights.

Grant Mitchell - will discuss the work of the The Hotham Mission. Along with the Justice for Asylum Seekers network, they have pioneered policy proposals for the community release of asylum seekers. These proposals have been tested - they have far higher rates of voluntary return of failed asylum seekers and they cost far less to run. These programs could be implemented right now - all that is lacking is the political will.

Interviews: All speakers will be available for interviews before and after the event.

Details:
Friday June 17 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Melbourne University, Theatre A, Elisabeth Murdoch Building ( Building number 134, next to Gate 3 on Swanston St.)