"Refugee Guarantee" to be launched this Sunday by thousands of Australians at the Big Aussie BBQ

10 September 2004

On Sunday September 12, thousands of Australian's will gather around the country to show their support for refugees and to continue the campaign to reform the Government's policies towards refugees and asylum seekers.
The Big Australian BBQ will be held at venues throughout the country - please see the schedule of venues and times at www.ajustaustralia.com
The Big Australian BBQ will allow Australians who support a more humane refugee policy to show their support for refugees; to acknowledge and say sorry for the harsh policies of the recent past and to show their commitment for a new Refugee Guarantee.
All candidates in the forthcoming election have been asked to support the Refugee Guarantee, and already there is cross-party support for this basic statement on refugee rights.
Note to Picture Editors: The Refugee Guarantee will be formally launched in Sydney at the Big Australian BBQ in Centennial Park, by the National Director of A Just Australia, Howard Glenn. Also speaking will be Greg Barns, Board Member of A Just Australia. Some candidates will be present to sign a giant Refugee Guarantee at this event.
"A Just Australia has invited all candidates for the Federal election to look at the Refugee Guarantee and to give it their support. Our members in electorates across the nation will also be lobbying their candidates to sign up", Mr Glenn said.
"Already we have received support from candidates from across all major parties, reflecting that concern for refugee rights is widespread in the Australian community. Regardless of which party wins the Federal election, thousands of Australians will continue their active support for necessary reforms to current Government policy.
"This is a guarantee that is within our power to deliver.
"When we compare the public mood now with that of three years ago - we can take some pride in how far we've come - and we're looking for candidates to guarantee that we'll get a just refugee program again", Mr Glenn said
A copy of the Refugee Guarantee is available at www.refugeeguarantee.com.au

For further information: Howard Glenn, 02 9310 3900 or 0418 44 3398 or Tony Nagy - 0413 645 126