The Labor for Refugees group has criticized the emergency migration laws introduced by the Albanese government, asserting that certain provisions violate the ALP national platform and deepen divisions within the party.

The group's NSW/ACT branch, expressed concern over the legislation, which grants the immigration minister authority to compel non-citizens to depart Australia and restricts arrivals from entire nations. Describing the bill as "flawed," the group urged MPs to oppose it. Specifically, they objected to mandatory prison terms ranging from one to five years for non-compliance, arguing that this contradicts the ALP's stance against mandatory sentencing.

Additionally, they cautioned against expanding the immigration minister's powers, which they believe undermines the national platform's commitment to robust and transparent processes for protection visa claims.

On Thursday, David Shoebridge, the Greens' spokesperson on immigration, accused the government of neglecting to engage in consultations with multicultural communities concerned about potential isolation from their overseas families. 

“(These communities) have been blindsided by the federal Labor government’s proposal to create yet more cruelty in the ­immigration and refugee system,”

International Commissioner of Jurists president and past president of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties, Nicholas Cowdery criticised the migration laws, warning that the provisions that allow the government to force non-citizens to leave the country were “unacceptable and a denial of human rights”.

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