Policy platform
CAPSA Policy Platform – Federal Election 2025
As we approach the 2025 Federal Election, the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum (CAPSA) calls on all political leaders to commit to policies that uphold the dignity, rights, and safety of people seeking asylum.
CAPSA is a national alliance of Catholic organisations united in advocating for fair, humane, and compassionate asylum policies. As Catholics, we believe in the inherent dignity of every human person, and our faith calls us to welcome the stranger, stand with the vulnerable, and seek justice for those who are marginalised—especially people seeking refuge from persecution and violence.
For over a decade, policies from successive Australian governments have caused immeasurable harm to people seeking asylum. Many have been left in indefinite uncertainty, enduring unsafe conditions both in detention and within the community. CAPSA believes this must end, and we call on all political parties to commit to the following critical changes.
Our Key Policy Asks:
End the Uncertainty for People Seeking Asylum
Provide fair and equitable pathways to permanency in Australia. The current system of indefinite uncertainty must be replaced with a transparent and timely process that offers people seeking asylum a permanent future in Australia.
Ensure Access to Work, Study, and Essential Public Services
People seeking asylum should have access to work and study rights, as well as essential public services such as Medicare, housing, and financial support. This will allow individuals to support themselves, contribute to society, and build secure lives for their families.
End Offshore Detention and Processing
Offshore detention and processing must be abolished immediately. People seeking asylum should be allowed to remain within Australia while their claims are processed, and those currently in offshore detention should be brought to safety and quickly resettled in Australia.
Increase Australia’s Humanitarian Intake and Expand Community Support
Increase Australia’s humanitarian intake and expand the existing community support program, which assists arrivals by covering essential expenses and supporting to integrate into Australian society.
We urge all political leaders to commit to policies that reflect compassion and justice. We call for the immediate end to harmful asylum policies, and for the creation of a system that upholds the humanity and dignity of all people seeking asylum in Australia.