Let People Work

Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles

All around the world we have seen devastating images of war, famine and danger that caused many people to leave their lives, homes and family to seek safety in Australia.

Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Iran and Iraq are just some of the countries people have fled with their children to seek safety.

However once those people arrive in Australia, life can be very difficult due to the complex and harsh laws that exist for people seeking asylum.

One such law is that *most* on a Bridging Visa E, cannot work or access other safety nets while they are waiting for their refugee status and permanent visa to be approved. This means they have no income, no Medicare and rely on support from the Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD).

Without CARAD they wouldn't survive. Many would become homeless and would not afford food or medical support.

We can change this.

We are calling on the Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to allow everyone seeking asylum in Australia, the right to work and other safety nets.

Right now in Western Australia, there is a labour shortage. Pubs and restaurants across WA are crying out for cooks, chefs and kitchen hands. Worksites are calling out for labourers to build housing.

And people seeking asylum want to work!

Sign this petition and join a generous and compassionate community who believes everyone in Australia deserves a fair go!

To: Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles
From: [Your Name]

People seeking asylum have left everything behind, fleeing some of the most atrocious and dangerous situations with their families to come to Australia and start over.

However at the moment Bridging Visa E is allocated to some people seeking asylum while they await their refugee application claim, meaning they get no support from Medicare and they are unable to support themselves through work.

Some of these people are skilled chefs, cooks, nurses, engineers but some are less skilled and can fill cleaning jobs and labour work. The one thing they all have in common is for those who can work – they want to work, but they can’t and it’s frustrating for them.

People seeking asylum in Perth could help fill Western Australia’s labour shortfall if they were able to work.

We are calling on you and the Albanese Government to allow everyone seeking asylum full working rights.

This small change could make a huge difference to lives on many who are awaiting their application for refugee status in Australia.

It's the right thing to do!