Why Temporary Protection Visas are a State issue*
Over the last eighteen months ChilOut members have worked for the release of detainees only to find that on their release detainees are given a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV). A TPV ensures that even though a person has proven themselves to be a genuine refugee, their stay is unlikely to ever be permanent and ultimately they are a second-class citizen with limited support from the Government and government funded services.
Unlike other migrants, TPV holders:
- Are not eligible for free English tuition;
- Are not eligible for settlement services such as orientation, accommodation, assistance from Migrant Resource Centres;
- Must pay full up-front tertiary education and are not eligible for TAFE;
- Are not eligible for public housing;
- Are ineligible to access much of the mainstream social welfare system.
In denying them equal access to state-funded services the NSW Government is contributing to these genuine refugees remaining estranged from our community. Mental instability, social isolation, poverty and homelessness remain high among TPV holders (including children).
Although the NSW State Government and Opposition would have us believe that policy on refugees and asylum seekers is a Federal issue, many state governments already treat TPV holders as equals of other permanent residents and citizens living within their borders.
South Australia (http://www.ministers.sa.gov.au/Minister/MediaFrame.asp?article=963&MinisterID=2), Victoria and Queensland (http://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/about/maq/pdfs/temp_visa.pdf) have already extended services for TPV holders living in their states. Click on the links above to these states' policies to see what the NSW Government could be doing so easily.
For MORE information on how YOU can get involved and some great links go to www.netactaustralia.org
For facts on Temporary Protection Visas go to www.refugeecouncil.org.au/html/current_issues/tpv.html
*A significant number of people in NSW are living on other visas including Bridging Visas. These people have access to even fewer services than people on a TPV. However this issue is somewhat more complex. In focusing on TPV holders, ChilOut recognises this as an imperfect strategy and the needs of other visa holders.