Joint Standing Committee on Migration

Members of the ASHRAM network gave evidence before the Joint Standing Committee on Migration enquiry into community based alternatives to immigration detention at the Queensland Parliamentary Annex on 23 January.

Organisations including the Romero Centre, MATCH Housing, BRIC Housing, Refugee Claimants Support Centre, Multicultural Development Association, Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS), and the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland presented evidence on the effects of detention upon temporary protection and humanitarian visa holders.

Participants testified about the importance of asylum seekers’ social and economic participation in their adoptive country; challenges that they face as a result of restricted access to income support, employment, education (including  federally funded language programs), and family reunification; as well as the broader challenges migrant communities face in accessing housing in the private market.  The committee were informed that changes in One Social Housing System eligibility and corollary restrictions upon access to community housing will close one of the few existing housing options for asylum seekers and those on temporary visas. 

The committee also heard firsthand from former asylum seekers about the dehumanising effects of immigration detention and their mistreatment under the Howard Government.   

Expansion of the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy was identified as an established program that offers a beneficial alternative to detention. 

Evidence was also taken regarding the challenge of housing vulnerable people following detention and limited Queensland community detention options.  

A transcript of the hearing is available at http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/joint/commttee/J11602.pdf.