In some good news for refugees, after a Federal Government decision last year, more than 12,000 people have been given permanent visas after having lived for a decade in uncertainty and disadvantage on temporary visas.

However, Vinnies also acknowledges that thousands of other people under Australia’s care are still unable to seek our permanent protection in a fair and timely way. So, Vinnies invites Christians and people of good will in the Canberra region to join us at the annual Palm Sunday Rally to call for permanent and safe protection for:

• thousands seeking asylum in Australia but still enduring the unfair fast-track refugee assessment process, many suffering destitution because they are unable to work.
• more than 50 people, still held in PNG after a decade, also living in destitution.
• over one thousand people brought to Australia from PNG and Nauru for medical treatment.

Vinnies is also again calling on the Government to provide a proper financial safety net for destitute people seeking asylum in the upcoming May budget.

This year we are honoured to have Father John Woods speaking at the rally.

These injustices must end. So, we Christians and all people of good will must continue to call publicly for a fairer and more compassionate approach.

The rally will be held in Garema Place at 1pm on Sunday 24 March. Vinnies members are meeting beforehand at 12.30pm next to the carousel in Petrie Plaza.

Contact: Tim McKenna <mckennas_home@hotmail.com>