Statement on the Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill

27 March 2024

The new legislation proposed in Federal Parliament seeks to criminalise refugees who refuse to cooperate with forced return processes, endangering those who fear persecution upon return to their country of origin. The negative impacts are wide spreading but particularly so for LGBTIQ+ refugees. The Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill imposes mandatory jail sentences and fines for non-compliance.

LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum in these situations are faced with the decision to return to potential harm including death penalty or face imprisonment in Australia. True protection entails providing safety and refuge to those fleeing persecution, not subjecting them to further harm or punishment.

This legislation disregards Australia’s obligations under international law, neglecting the protection of vulnerable individuals and exacerbating their already precarious situations.

We call on the Australian government to abandon the legislation in the current form.