Opinion poll shows tide is turning for refugees

19 October 2003

Australians no longer think refugees are a threat to Australia's borders but they deserve a fair go, said national human rights group A Just Australia, at the launch of For Those Who Come Across the Seas, a new CD by leading Australian musicians.

"This poll says the national mood has shifted," said A Just Australia National Director Howard Glenn, in response to an independent Saulwick opinion poll released today by JOB futures.

The survey polled 1000 Australian workers asking them for their attitudes towards refugees in Australia.

A majority of those polled (61%) think refugees pose little or no threat to national security and a large majority (71%) think refugees should have access to government funded employment services.

"It's been two years since Tampa, the policy of naval interdiction has stopped boats from arriving and Australians no longer see refugees as a threat. Instead, Australian workers support the idea of a fair go for refugees", Mr Glenn said.

The poll shows that while most (54%) think refugees on temporary visas should return home if it is safe to do so, only about a third (37%) think that the Australian government should be responsible for deciding whether it is safe for those to return. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (55%) is preferred.

"The government's credibility has been damaged by its persistent deception and blame-shifting on refugee matters", Mr Glenn said.

"Australians trust the United Nations judgement on refugees more than their own Government.

The survey also showed Australians now rejected the language of 'queue jumpers' (30% approval), preferring more neutral language such as 'asylum-seekers' (78% approval).

"Australian opinion has moved on but thousands of refugees remain stuck in limbo.

"We are proposing a three point plan and urging the Federal Government to make the right choice:

• provide permanent protection for proven refugees, with assistance to return home on a voluntary basis;
• introduce a process for humanitarian visas or solutions for those stuck in the limbo of long term detention; and
• immediately release children and their families into the community.

"The government has made its point about border protection. There's no need to keep punishing these people", Mr Glenn said.