UnitingJustice believes that as a matter of some urgency the Government must work to depoliticise the issue of asylum seekers, and that this must be accompanied by a change in policy which reflects a commitment to Australia’s responsibilities under the Refugee Convention. The Australian Government has an obligation to provide protection to all asylum seekers and the Migration and Humanitarian Program needs to be built upon this understanding.

UnitingJustice has long advocated for a system of Complementary Protection. It believes that the Migration Amendment (Complementary Protection) Bill 2009 will ensure better and more humane process for those seeking protection under conventions and treaties other than the Refugee Convention.