How can a country that prides itself on its commitment to human rights turn its back on those most in need? As a refugee, advocate, and human rights lawyer, I have dedicated my life to standing up for those who have been left behind, particularly refugees and Iranians seeking safety and a better life in Australia. On Tuesday, I found myself in parliament, passionately advocating for the basic rights that have been stripped away from these vulnerable communities. Little did I know that on the exact same day, another piece of legislation was passed in the house that could strip away our very existence in this country. My family, like many others, came to Australia seeking refuge and a chance at a better life. Twelve years ago, my mother, the heart of our community, was left out as the Australian government failed to see her as a person deserving protection. My now husband, whom I met 7 years ago, is in a similar situation. Both he and my mother have had their protection claims rejected under the unfair fast-track system, which was criticised by Labor when in opposition for its unfairness and inefficiency. Continue reading...

Greens attack the legislation, now the subject of a Senate inquiry, as a ‘Trump-style travel ban’

Labor brings forward urgent bill, which would also create power to impose a bar on new visa applications from non-citizens in designated countries Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast Immigration detainees and some unlawful non-citizens are being threatened with a minimum of one year in prison if they refuse to cooperate with efforts to deport them, under an urgent Labor bill to be introduced on Tuesday. The bill requires non-citizens “to cooperate in efforts to ensure their prompt and lawful removal”, creating criminal penalties that could apply to a class of detainees that includes two plaintiffs before the high court challenging the legality of the detention of people who refuse to cooperate with deportation. Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup More than 110 “involuntary individuals”, whose home countries will not issue a travel document or facilitate removal. More than 40 who could fall into scope who have not yet lodged protection visa applications. More than 20 who have asked to be deported – which enlivens a statutory obligation for them to be removed – but their cases have not been referred to Australian Border Force. Continue reading...