Australia’s policy of mandatory detention
May 6 marks the 20th anniversary of Australia’s policy of mandatory detention.
2010-2019
Number of places in the Migration Program increases
The number of places available in the Migration Program for 2012–13 is 190 000, which is 5000 more than the 2011–12 planning level. Of the 5000 places, 3400 are allocated to the Skilled stream. This is to help meet the
Federal Court of Australia rules on discriminatory comments made by Andrew Bolt
The Federal Court rules that the comments made by Andrew Bolt in two newspaper articles and online are discriminatory. The complaints were made by a group of Aboriginal people named in a series of articles implying that they were not
UNHCR commemorates convention anniversaries
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) commemorates the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 50th anniversary of the 1961 Statelessness Convention.
RCOA celebrates its 30th anniversary
The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA), the national umbrella body for refugees and the organisations and individuals who support them celebrates its 30th anniversary. RCOA’s own work is centred around five key areas: policy, support for refugees, support for its
Scanlon Foundation Mapping Social Cohesion Report 2011 launched
The Scanlon Foundation releases the Mapping Social Cohesion Report 2011. The report examines people’s attitudes on a range of topics from social harmony, immigration, asylum seekers, intolerance, and trust in government. It confirms that more than 94 per cent of respondents
High Court rejects Malaysia arrangement
The High Court of Australia rules that Australia’s transfer arrangement with Malaysia cannot proceed due to the absence of legal protections for refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia.
Government signs ‘Malaysia Arrangement’
The Australian Government signs an arrangement with the Malaysian Government to transfer 800 asylum seekers who arrive by boat in Australia to Malaysia, in return for Australia resettling 4,000 refugees out of Malaysia over the next four years. The policy
Research highlights refugee contributions
A research report by Dr Graeme Hugo, one of Australia’s leading demographers, is released, highlighting the many economic, civic and social contributions made by refugees and humanitarian entrants to Australian society.
Minister delivers on government commitment
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship announces that the Australian Government has delivered on its commitment to move the majority of children in immigration detention into community-based arrangements.