The federal government’s decision to allow 19,000 refugees to settle permanently in Australia has been welcomed by local refugee support group, Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees.
The group’s chairperson, Jean Ker Walsh, expressed relief and satisfaction with the decision and noted that it honoured an election promise made by Labor.
“These people, acknowledged by government as legitimate refugees, were yet forced to exist in our country in a state of uncertainty – some for as long as a decade,” Jean said.
“They were unable to move on with their lives and make plans for their futures and those of their children.
“The anxiety and stress endured by them can hardly be imagined.
“These are people who have fled persecution and, in many instances, the threat of death.
“Their lives have been marginalised. They have been denied all the fulfilling experiences that we Australians take for granted.
“But, at last it seems we have a government willing to live up to the Australian ethos of ‘a fair go’.”
The previous government’s treatment of the well-known Biloela family, Jean said, was instrumental in bringing the plight of refugees to the attention of decent, fair-minded people.
“Everyday Australians could see what was right and what was wrong,” she said.
“The war in Ukraine, too, has been a constant reminder that people, through no fault of their own, can be driven from their homes by war and civil unrest.”
Jean has been a tireless campaigner for the rights of refugees, both as a member and now chair of MRRAR and also as co-chair of Grandmothers for Refugees.
She has always believed in the decency of her fellow Australians and with the government’s latest announcement, she sees renewed cause for optimism.
But, she stresses, the job is not yet complete, with another 12,000 asylum-seekers remaining excluded from the resettlement process.
“There is still much to be done for all those traumatised men, women, and children,” Jean said.
“So, we will continue to advocate vigorously within our Macedon Ranges communities for permanent protection for all refugees. No one should be left behind.”
Anyone who would like to show support for refugees or learn more about the activities of the group, can contact Macedon Ranges Rural Australians for Refugees by email: mrrar.refugees@gmail.com
