Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement to provide a pathway to permanency for approximately 19,000 refugees on Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEVs).
“The announcement by the Federal Government to allow an estimated 19,000 refugees apply for permanent residency is long overdue,” Mr Wilkie said. “It is a more compassionate approach and will provide some relief to thousands of refugees who have been cruelly prevented from being able to reunite with families, access stable work and education or travel abroad.
“However, this is only a start. There are still about 12,000 people who are still languishing on temporary visas. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles is right in saying that ‘it makes no sense – economically or socially – to keep them in limbo’ so I will continue to lobby the Government so all refugees can rebuild their lives in Australia.”