Don't demonise asylum seekers, human rights groups warn politicians. By Olivia Caisley, ABC News

A coalition of refugee and human rights organisations has written to the leaders of the major parties, urging them to avoid dog-whistling and sowing division throughout the federal election campaign.

Signed by more than 30 groups, including Amnesty International and the Asylum Seekers Centre, the letter warns against using immigrants and asylum seekers as a political football and urges that these groups be treated with respect.

"Political debate — both during and outside election campaigns — has often seen people seeking asylum become the target of unacceptable rhetoric, often describing refugees and people seeking asylum in a degrading and hostile manner," the letter reads.

"This is a poor reflection on how Australia is perceived internationally and undermines our proud record as a truly multicultural nation and as a leader in refugee resettlement and protection principles."

Don't demonise asylum seekers, human rights groups warn politicians. By Olivia Caisley, ABC News

International students not to blame for rising rents, Australian study finds. By Conor Duffy, ABC News

There is no link between international student numbers and the cost of rent, according to the findings of a new Australian study that examined rental data between 2017 and 2024.

A record number of 849,113 international students studied in Australia in 2024, with some politicians claiming this contributed to a rental crisis.

What’s next?

The study's conclusion has been supported by the Property Council of Australia and a former senior public servant, while the university sector has warned politicians against cutting international student numbers.

International students not to blame for rising rents, Australian study finds. By Conor Duffy, ABC News

Coalition accused of ‘exploiting racial issues’ after proposing antisemitism questions on citizenship test. By Krishani Dhanji, The Guardian

The opposition has been accused of “pitting” community groups against each other and using the Jewish community for political purposes, in suggesting citizenship tests should include questions on antisemitism.

The Australian National Imams Council told Guardian Australia the proposal raises “significant concerns” and divides communities rather than bringing them together.

Coalition accused of ‘exploiting racial issues’ after proposing antisemitism questions on citizenship test. By Krishani Dhanji, The Guardian

What antisemitism questions could would-be citizens face? One country offers some clues. By Ewa Staszewska, SBS News

Would-be Australians may have to answer questions about antisemitism to gain citizenship if the Coalition forms government in May. The Coalition has revealed it will add new questions to the citizenship test to gauge attitudes towards Jewish people as it proposes ways to address growing security concerns.

The plan follows similar changes to Germany's citizenship test in 2024 amid a rise in antisemitic attacks.

Dr Hass Dellal, executive director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, welcomes a change but said the question should cover all forms of racism.
What antisemitism questions could would-be citizens face? One country offers some clues. By Ewa Staszewska, SBS News

Regional Australia needs more workers to rebuild after disasters like Alfred. Skilled refugees could help. By Sally Baker & Louise Oliff, The Conversation

Already it was hard to find people with the necessary skills to undertake infrastructure maintenance. Now people affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred are joining long wait lists for electricians, plumbers, builders and other services……………

……………Highly skilled refugees have told us the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot has helped them regain a foothold in their careers, and rebuild their and their children’s lives, while also helping meet regional skills shortages.

Programs matching skilled refugees with employers and regions desperate for skilled workers can be a win-win.

Regional Australia needs more workers to rebuild after disasters like Alfred. Skilled refugees could help. By Sally Baker & Louise Oliff, The Conversation

PM promises a positive election campaign amid concerns of safety and polarisation, SBS News

In the run-up to this year's federal election, issues of community safety, polarisation and faltering social cohesion are coming to the fore. Advocates say migrant and refugee communities are feeling increasing division, and fear they will experience the affects of that in a federal election campaign.

PM promises a positive election campaign amid concerns of safety and polarisation, SBS News

Australian immigration and the federal election By Peter Hughes, P&I

The Albanese Government has done a reasonable job in repairing the immigration train wreck it inherited from the Coalition. However, excessive caution and fear of being wedged has severely limited its achievements. In the forthcoming election, the Dutton Opposition can be expected to be short on policy, but to stoke up fears about border security and foreigners. He will borrow from the nasty Trump playbook when convenient. Australia deserves better immigration policy and administration.

Australian immigration and the federal election By Peter Hughes, P&I

Canada’s immigration process is increasingly digitized, but that can make if difficult to navigate. By Ashika Niraula, The Conversation

Changes to immigration policies can often leave migrants confused about what their rights are and the opportunities available to them. This confusion can damage Canada’s image as a country welcoming to immigrants.

Canada’s immigration process is increasingly digitized, but that can make if difficult to navigate. By Ashika Niraula, The Conversation

From Thai sweatshop to buying her own home, Nan says she owes her settled life to an Australian cafe program. By Esther Lozano & Shirley Glaister, SBS Spanish

Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello established Stepping Stone to provide hospitality skills to migrant and refugee women.

Mike's app helps prevent Australian shark attacks — but why are they rising? By Sandra Fulloon, SBS News

A migrant from India is helping to keep swimmers safer, with a service that sends alerts about shark activity.

Helping people to avoid contact with sharks is one reason Vasavada developed SharkSmart, after migrating from India as a student in 1999. Like many migrants, Vasavada remains cautious about Australia's powerful marine predators.

"People have a natural fear of sharks, and as somebody who migrated to Australia, I look at the water and I think there must be sharks out here," he says. "Of course, when you are living overseas people are always talking about sharks in Australia, as well."

Mike's app helps prevent Australian shark attacks — but why are they rising? By Sandra Fulloon, SBS News

Inquest into Sydney detention centre suicides raises questions over missed medication and care routines. By Jordyn Beazley, The Guardian

Three people who killed themselves in a Sydney immigration detention centre all received appropriate mental health care, an inquest has found.

But it was unclear why detainees at Villawood detention centre routinely did not take their medication or attend medical appointments, the inquest said.

Villawood, in western Sydney, was operated by the private operator Serco at the time of each of the suicides, and health services in the centre were managed by International Health and Medical Service.

The health services are now run by another provider, and Secure Journeys, a local subsidiary of Management & Training Corporation (MTC), will soon take over operation of Villawood from Serco.

The inquest recommended the federal government commission an independent study to examine why detainees routinely do not take their medication, or attend appointments.

Inquest into Sydney detention centre suicides raises questions over missed medication and care routines. By Jordyn Beazley, The Guardian

Evacuations Research Hub, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW

Evacuations can be a lifesaving tool. But as recent global conflicts and unprecedented disasters have shown, without careful planning and oversight, evacuations can also displace people – often for prolonged periods and at great social, economic and personal cost.

The emergency nature of evacuations means that governments tend to focus on immediate assistance and may overlook longer-term needs, potentially leaving people in legal, physical and emotional limbo, without homes, livelihoods or support networks. 

Evacuations Research Hub, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW

Misinformation on refugees and migrants is rife during elections. We found 6 ways it spreads – and how to stop it. By Daniel Gezelbash & Saul Wodak (UNSW), The Conversation

…Australia is not immune to such deception. While refugees and migrants make significant positive economic, social and cultural contributions to their host societies, politicians across the spectrum have falsely blamed them for issues ranging from rising house prices to crime……

…Building on these principles and an extensive review of research literature, we developed an evidence-based framework for countering misinformation about refugees and migrants.

It provides a step-by-step guide on what to do when faced with falsehoods, starting with recognising whether the misinformation is anticipated or already circulating.

Misinformation on refugees and migrants is rife during elections. We found 6 ways it spreads – and how to stop it. By Daniel Gezelbash & Saul Wodak (UNSW), The Conversation

Securing Australia's new Pacific Engagement Visa costly, slow and 'stressful', applicants say. By Lucy Cooper, ABC News

The Australian government launched the Permanent Engagement Visa last year saying it would "strengthen" the nation's links with the Pacific.

The PEV will grant permanent residency to citizens from the Pacific and Timor-Leste chosen through a random ballot, similar to the "Green Card Lottery" seen in the US.

Those selected can apply for a visa, and up to 3,000 visas are available each round.

It's opened a major new migration pathway for Australia's closest neighbours and generated huge interest in the region, with more than 56,000 people applying. 

But more than five months after applications closed, the federal government has allocated less than 5 per cent of the total visas available this round.

Securing Australia's new Pacific Engagement Visa costly, slow and 'stressful', applicants say. By Lucy Cooper, ABC News

Increased cruelty fears for refugees amid harsh new migration laws. By Lesa Sholl, The Melbourne Anglican

Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project co-founder Sister Brigid Arthur said the effects of the migration amendments haven’t been seen, yet, but detainees were scared.

“It scares everybody that people could be deported. They can be sent to any other country,” she said. “It could be used in really awful ways, very cruel ways, and it’s against international law.”

Sister Arthur said it was sheer cruelty to have people locked up indefinitely, not knowing if they would ever be let out.

Increased cruelty fears for refugees amid harsh new migration laws. By Lesa Sholl, The Melbourne Anglican

The Harmful Rhetoric and Political Game Against Refugees and People Seeking Asylum Must Stop, By Zaki Haidari, Refugee Rights Campaigner, Amnesty International Australia

I was forced to flee my home in Afghanistan back in 2011 after the Taliban threatened my family’s lives. I made it to Australia, but for years, I lived in limbo, trapped on temporary visas, unable to reunite with my family. After a decade of relentless campaigning, I helped abolish temporary visas, finally securing permanent residency and the right to bring my family to safety. But many refugees in Australia are still waiting, many remaining indefinitely separated from their loved ones.

In my 13 years in Australia, I have been embraced by everyday Australians —a kindness I will cherish forever. Yet, for just as long, politicians have weaponised our lives, demonising us with dangerous rhetoric and cruel policies. Seeking votes, they introduce laws designed to break us, keep families apart, and make it near impossible for people in danger to find safety. These policies are not just cruel and inhumane, they violate Australia’s international legal obligations.

The Harmful Rhetoric and Political Game Against Refugees and People Seeking Asylum Must Stop, By Zaki Haidari, Refugee Rights Campaigner, Amnesty International Australia

Australia to play Afghanistan at ICC Champions Trophy despite boycotting other matches with nation. By James Vyver, ABC News

The cricketing world is caught in a vicious cycle when it comes to balancing sport and human rights.

Shafiqa Khan, a bowler with the exiled Afghanistan women's team, now lives as a refugee in Australia.

"If I compare my life to Afghan women they do not have anything, this feeling like breaks my heart all the time," Khan said.

Australia to play Afghanistan at ICC Champions Trophy despite boycotting other matches with nation. By James Vyver, ABC News