Symbol of the Stolen Generations, Molly Kelly Craig dies

2000-2009

Marion Le awarded Human Rights Medal

Refugee and asylum seeker advocate, Marion Le is awarded the 2003 Human Rights Medal in Sydney for her work in promoting human rights over the last thirty years. Le has raised awareness of human rights in the media and the

Excise of islands from migration zone

As part of the decision to excise thousands of islands from the migration zone retrospectively, the Australian Government considers sending 14 asylum seekers from Melville Island, 80 km north of Darwin, to Christmas Island, 2300 km northwest of Perth. This

Release of report ‘Reconciliation – Off track’

Following an extensive inquiry into national progress towards Reconciliation, Dr Jonas AM calls on the Australian Government to recommit to the Reconciliation process. The Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee’s report ‘Reconciliation-Off track’ highlights crucial failings in the current approach

Tampa refugees freed from detention on Nauru

Granted temporary protection visas, 14 men are flown to Brisbane. They represent a fraction of asylum seekers still detained in Australia. The Australian Government’s view is that mandatory detention reflects Australia’s sovereign right to determine who enters the country.

ASIO laws

Australia’s new security laws give the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) the right to detain and question a person for up to seven days with the possibility of extending that time. This also applies for non – suspects.

Asylum seekers

A group of Vietnamese asylum seekers slips inside the migration zone, the first in over two years. They are sent to Christmas Island.

Racial intolerance in Australia

Australian Partnership of Ethnic and Religious Organisations (APERO) forms, to counter the rising level of racial intolerance. APERO brings together eight peak ethnic groups and eight religious organisations to promote harmony not only in the wider society but also amongst

Death of former Federal minister

The Honourable W.C. Wentworth AO, who championed Aboriginal people’s rights throughout his long and distinguished career dies. Born in Sydney, he represented the Sydney electorate of Mackellar for the Liberal Party from 1949 to 1977. Wentworth established the Australian Institute