The Immigration Minister's reference to 'fake refugees' stands in stark contrast to the principles for Australia’s refugee policy presented to parliament 40 years ago this week, writes Claire Higgins.
The Kaldor Centre's Claire Higgins has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to explore how past experiences can help create positive solutions for millions of displaced people.
It wouldn’t be the first time Australia’s refugee review system has been politicised. But we should be concerned about the latest changes, writes Claire Higgins.
The Australian government's attempt to give unprecedented powers to the private operators of Australia's immigration detention centres looks unlikely to pass the Senate without significant change, write Gabrielle Appleby and Claire Higgins.
In the 1980s, Australia ran "in-country programs" in strife-torn countries to rescue refugees in humanitarian need. There's no reason why these people smuggling alternatives couldn't happen today, writes Claire Higgins.
Without a proper refugee status determination procedure, asylum seekers are left in indefinite detention with no certainty about (or control over) their future, writes Claire Higgins.
