On February 13 the Albanese Government announced that it would end the cruel and unnecessary policy of temporary protection. This means that those who already have a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) will be able to apply for a permanent Resolution of Status (RoS) Visa.

This is wonderful news for the thousands of people who have been living in limbo on these cruel and inhumane visas for over a decade. Those granted a new visa will have the same rights and benefits as all other permanent residents, and will be immediately eligible for social security payments, access to the NDIS and higher education assistance. People on TPVs and SHEVs have been living and working in our community, paying taxes, creating employment and strengthening our economy for years. 

Australian asylum seeker policy is a gross breach of human rights and decency and is inconsistent with its obligations under international law. Whilst making this change for people on TPVs and SHEVs is laudable, the governments overall policy and particularly the offshore processing component of the policy, undermines Australia’s diplomatic standing amongst the community of nations. 

The failure to enact international convention Australia has signed into domestic law makes Australia’s actions look both hollow and reprehensible from the perspective of the international community. Australia is a country that does not protect human rights and unfortunately has proved to be a country that does not keep its promises.