Scott Morrison is hoping to get legislation to re-introduce Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) through the Senate after a deal with Clive Palmer. But his legislation also goes much further, removing appeal rights and making a number of sweeping changes to the Migration Act.<\/p>\n
It would introduce TPVs as well as a new safe haven visa. But neither visa allows for permanent protection, nor for family reunion. Some of those who agree to work in an area of labour shortage may be able to apply for another visa after three and a half years, but they will have to fit into an existing visa category. Permanent refugee visas will not be available.<\/p>\n
Palmer has claimed that everyone will be released from Christmas Island in exchange. But all the government has committed to is allowing an extra 1550 people to avoid transfer to Nauru or Manus Island and to be processed for refugee status in Australia. This could still take years, as Morrison has admitted. Over 4000 will remain in domestic detention centres until that happens.<\/p>\n
Morrison’s new legislation also goes much further:<\/p>\n
But it does not come back into parliament until 24 November\u2014so there is time to build opposition and demand that the cross-bench Senators (including the Palmer Party) do not vote for it.<\/p>\n
Sign the online petition against the legislation here<\/a><\/p>\n Read more on Temporary Protection Visas and how they create mental trauma for refugees:<\/p>\n Michael Leach, Back to the future on temporary protection visas<\/a><\/p>\n