ANMF (Vic Branch) members are invited to wear their red t-shirts and join other union members to participate in the annual Palm Sunday Walk for Justice for Refugees.
Sunday 2 April 1.30pm
State Library, corner Swanston and La Trobe Streets, Melbourne
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The change of federal government in 2022 brought hope for more compassionate policies, especially for 19,000 refugees in limbo for 10 years who can now apply for permanent visas. However, thousands are still uncertain about their future. It is important to ensure the Labor Albanese Government keeps their policy commitments and works towards undoing the policies which harm people and deny their basic human rights.
The rally is calling for:
- Permanent visas and family reunion for all refugees
- Fair and timely assessment of all claims for refugee status
- Health care, work rights, income support, and access to education for all those seeking asylum
- Releasing ALL refugees from detention
- Offering resettlement here for refugees still in PNG and on Nauru, and those trapped in Indonesia
- Ending offshore processing and detention
- Increasing the humanitarian intake of refugees
Why does ANMF endorse this rally?
Seeking asylum is a human right enshrined by the United Nations 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (and its 1967 Protocol).
ANMF has a policy [PDF] for supporting the right for people seeking asylum in Australia to be humanely treated, regardless of how they entered Australia or country of origin.
As the union for nurses, midwives, and personal care workers, ANMF represents members who spend their working lives caring for people who are vulnerable.
Refugees and people seeking asylum detained by our government are also vulnerable as they are detained without any end date.
The negative physical and mental health of holding people in indefinite detention – many of whom have experienced trauma from fleeing war or oppression – has been well-documented.
The Branch also has members who were refugees and spend their working lives contributing to the community.
ANMF will continue to advocate for refugees and people seeking asylum on behalf of our members who, as nurses, midwives, and personal care workers, are among the most trusted people in our community.
