Asylum Seekers Are Not Criminals

Asylum Seekers are not criminals

Dear Mr. _______

I would like to raise my concern over the plight of refugees in our country and the government’s policy on mandatory detention. I strongly believe that asylum seekers are not criminals, nor are they charged with criminal offences. Despite this, the Australian government continues to detain all asylum seekers who arrive on our shores without proper documentation. A punishment usually reserved for the worst criminal offenders in our community is applied to people whose only crime is fleeing from oppressive regimes or economic hardship.

After an in-depth study, I am of the opinion that the cost of a release program would be significantly less than the cost of detaining all undocumented arrivals. Most of the costs associated with operating a release program already exists in operating detention centres — the costs of staff, food and accommodation for detainees, interpreters and legal assistance. The savings would be significant and could be directed to employing additional staff in the department to speed up the processing of the backlog of refugee applications. There are less harmful and cost effective means for addressing asylum seekers. The UNHCR has recommended alternatives that include community based detention arrangements with community supervision and open centres. These community-based alternatives have been applied internationally and have already been put into practice within Australia’s parole system. The cost of such community care is at a much lesser rate when compared to detention.

In my view, detention should only be used in special circumstances such as if there is a conviction or if an applicant has a prior criminal record and is therefore considered a risk to the community. However, minors should not be detained under any circumstances and it is absolutely unacceptable for any refugee to be detained in a penal institution. This I feel would create a more humane and cost-effective approach to...