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.