November 2016 Bulletin
We believe that together we CAN make a difference, starting with small acts of kindness and hospitality and becoming a collective voice demanding more compassionate asylum seeker policies.
CATHOLIC ALLIANCE FOR PEOPLE SEEKING ASYLUM
NOVEMBER 2016 BULLETIN
Take action to #BlockTheBill
Right now the Senate is considering a proposal by the Liberal government to introduce a permanent visa ban on anyone arriving to Australia by boat after July 2013. Not even as a tourist. Not only is this policy morally wrong, it is just plain stupid. We have already seen Labor and the Greens come out in opposition. The government needs 8 crossbenchers to pass the bill, and it is looking like they won't get them.
Let the crossbenchers know you don't support this ban by calling their electoral offices:
Senator Nick Xenophon (SA): (02) 6277 3713
Senator Stirling Griff (SA): (02) 6277 3128
Senator Skye Kakoschke-Moore (SA): (02) 6277 3178
Senator Derryn Hinch (VIC): (02) 6277 3168
We believe in a fair-go for refugees, and this deal is anything but. We need to #BlockTheBill
Check out these tips from the ASRC for calling your Senator.
CAPSA welcomes government announcement to resolve the crises on Nauru and Manus Island, but calls for #SafetyForAll
CAPSA welcomed the announcement that the Australian Government will work with the United States of America to resettle some of the refugees
languishing in offshore detention centres. Despite some concerns about this plan, CAPSA is supportive of the
move because it provides hope at last for the 1600 people seeking asylum
on Manus Island and Nauru.
We have joined the calls for #SafetyForAll, holding our government to account on the finer details of the proposal and ensuring all those on Nauru and Manus are given safe, long-term resettlement options.
Amazing advocates on the rise
CAPSA were very humbled to be part of the Asylum Seeker Resource
Centre's (ASRC) Advocacy and Power program, which saw 8 leaders with
lived experience as refugees build skills to become the faces of the
refugee rights movement.
The program spanned 4 months and focused on practical ways participants could get their voices heard. Isaiah Lahai from the Jesuit Social Services Speakers program was part of the workshops. He has since written about his personal experiences in the Huffington Post. You can find media from other participants in our recommended reading and viewing below.
You can find more about the program here.
Donate to CAPSA
Following two years of generous support from Cabrini Health, CAPSA is currently seeking ongoing funding to help us continue our great work into the future. If you, your parish or workplace are able to support CAPSA financially, please donate via our website.
Every dollar will help us to work within the Catholic community to take bold, courageous action to support people seeking asylum. All donations over $2 are tax deductible through Jesuit Social Services.
Help CAPSA continue supporting Catholics to stand in solidarity with refugees.
Recommended reading & viewing
It's sad to see many Australians supporting cruel policies that are harsh on refugees and people seeking asylum - Mohammad Al-Kafaji - The Advertiser
Gulima asks you to call your local MP - Gulima Wahidi - video message to us all
At last, free - Omar and Saad Al-Kassab - TEDxCanberra
Australia's immigration measures are keeping families apart, study says - Helen Davidson - The Guardian
Right now the Senate is considering a proposal by the Liberal government to introduce a permanent visa ban on anyone arriving to Australia by boat after July 2013. Not even as a tourist. Not only is this policy morally wrong, it is just plain stupid. We have already seen Labor and the Greens come out in opposition. The government needs 8 crossbenchers to pass the bill, and it is looking like they won't get them.Senator Stirling Griff (SA): (02) 6277 3128
Senator Skye Kakoschke-Moore (SA): (02) 6277 3178
Senator Derryn Hinch (VIC): (02) 6277 3168
CAPSA welcomed the announcement that the Australian Government will work with the United States of America to resettle some of the refugeeslanguishing in offshore detention centres. Despite some concerns about this plan, CAPSA is supportive of the
move because it provides hope at last for the 1600 people seeking asylum
on Manus Island and Nauru.
CAPSA were very humbled to be part of the Asylum Seeker Resource
Centre's (ASRC) Advocacy and Power program, which saw 8 leaders with
lived experience as refugees build skills to become the faces of the
refugee rights movement.
Following two years of generous support from Cabrini Health, CAPSA is currently seeking ongoing funding to help us continue our great work into the future. If you, your parish or workplace are able to support CAPSA financially, please donate via our website.