Politicians can no longer deny the cruel and inhumane treatment that children in immigration detention have experienced. The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's report of the National Inquiry into Children in Immigration Detention (The Age, 14/5) reveals to all Australians that enough damage has been done to innocent children and their families.
As leading welfare agencies we call on the Australian Government for an end to this graceless period in our history. It is time to set our human rights record straight. As people of good conscience, the fact that children and families are suffering in detention - many after fleeing dangerous situations - compels us to act.
HREOC's report recommends that alternatives to detention, developed by experts such as the Justice for Asylum Seekers network, guide Australia's management of people seeking asylum. We have joined forces under JAS to develop a system of care for children and families outside detention, based on our combined expertise in dealing with compliance cases and welfare provision.
Our political leaders can no longer ignore the viable and effective alternative welfare agencies have presented to them.
We have a better way that retains security, identity and health checks, but which moves people found to pose no risk to the community into healthier, cheaper environments such as hostels or community housing. Case- workers from reputable welfare agencies would ensure vulnerable people who have experienced persecution and trauma have proper care and sensible compliance systems, making sure people are well prepared for the Government's decision about their future in Australia.
Our system, recognised by HREOC, will address the significant problems of the current system and we urge the Australian Government to stop the failed system of detention and adopt "The Better Way" of doing things.
Our proposal is not only humane - our principal concern - but it is cost effective: it has been found to be 18 per cent cheaper than the current system. And it doesn't compromise Australia's security and immigration processes.
The time has come to stop the injustice and damage that faces innocent children and families in detention. All we ask for now is the political will and leadership to recognise that a new start is needed. We call for a refugee policy that Australia can be proud of again.
John Wilson, acting executive director, Brotherhood of St Laurence
John Dalziel, communications director, Salvation Army
Dr Ray Cleary, CEO, Anglicare Victoria
Rev Raoul Spackman-Williams, director, UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania
Syd Tutton, Victorian state president, St Vincent de Paul
Abusing children
So Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone says that releasing the children of asylum seekers from detention would send "a dangerous message" to people smugglers (The Age, 14/5). What sort of society have we become that we allow the Government to use the punishment of innocent children as a deterrent?
Ann Morrow, Williamstown