Recent conflicts in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza have seen large numbers of people displaced and unable to leave dangerous situations. In each case, Australia’s humanitarian response has been very different. For some groups, visas have been relatively easy to acquire; for others, it has been almost impossible. Varying visa entitlements also mean that some people have work rights, health entitlements and access to a wide range of services, while others are barely surviving. Concerns have been repeatedly expressed by the refugee sector, affected communities, experts and Parliamentary inquiries about these divergent and often inadequate approaches which can leave people living in uncertain and insecure conditions.
Australia needs a clear, equitable framework for humanitarian emergencies that would enable the government to provide a streamlined, predictable and effective response to assist people facing a real risk of persecution, extreme danger or other serious harm to find safety in Australia. It should be informed by Australia’s practices over time, as well as comparative practices internationally. It should also not be dependent on a person’s race, religion, or ethnic background – a lesson Australia learned long ago in dismantling the White Australia policy.