| Journeys' End Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office
(ACMRO) |
|
2nd Edition 1998 |
Editorial
This is the final edition of 'Journeys' End' for 1998. I thank all
those people who have provided advice and assistance to the Australian Catholic
Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) over the last twelve months, and especially
the members of our advisory groups in Canberra and Sydney. Best wishes for
Christmas and for 1999 to you all.
Mr. Ted Bacon, a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and also a
member of ACMRO'S Sydney Advisory Group, died on September 21st
1998, aged 83. Ted did extraordinary work for migrants and refugees over many
years. We offer our sympathy to his wife Eileen and family. It has been
suggested that there be an enduring expression of the humanitarian work which
Ted did for refugees through the creation of a Ted Bacon Memorial
Scholarship. This scholarship would enable a former refugee resettled in
Australia to have a tertiary education where it would not otherwise be possible.
Our thanks/congratulations go to the following people:
- Reverend Monsignor George Crennan, National Director of the Federal
Catholic Immigration Office from 1949 to 1995, who received the 1998
Austcare Paul Cullen Award for his extensive work for refugees over many
years. The award was presented to Monsignor on October 7th at
Government House, Canberra, by the Governor General, Sir William Deane, at a
ceremony to open Austcare National Refugee Week.
- Mr Harold Grant, a member of our Canberra Advisory Group, who has been
awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA)
for exemplary service to refugees over many decades, and for his loyal
support of the RCOA. Along with Dr Kenneth Rivett, Harold was presented with
a commemorative plaque at the 1998 Annual General Meeting of the RCOA on
October 30th at Red Cross House, Sydney.
- Dr Charles Price, who has resigned as a member of our Canberra Advisory
Group. Charles is a leading expert in the field of demography and has
provided us with excellent research material on migration numbers and ethnic
composition. We thank Charles for his generosity to the office and to the
Bishops Committee for Migrants and Refugees.
On October 3 1998 we had a general election in which the Coalition Government
was returned. The Government's Immigration policy is to maintain the intake
numbers with emphasis on skilled migration over family reunion, and with a
commitment to a $10 million anti-racism and tolerance campaign. The Labor Party
agreed in with the current intake numbers and proposed, if elected, to establish
an office of population and immigration and also a citizenship/multicultural
affairs office attached to the prime minister's department.
We wish the Government well, in delivering strong but fair policies, with the
ultimate aim of improving the standard of living for every Australian.
We congratulate the Honourable Philip Ruddock on his reappointment as
Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, on his inclusion in the
Cabinet, and on his added responsibility of Minister Assisting the Prime
Minister for Reconciliation.
Congratulations also to Senator Kay Patterson on her appointment as
Parliamentary Secretary to Mr. Ruddock, and to the Honourable Con Sciacca on his
appointments as Shadow Minister for Immigration and Shadow Minister assisting
the Leader of the Opposition on Multicultural Affairs.
ACMRO is planning to hold a national conference in 2000 to discuss all issues
associated with migration. We hope to be successful in receiving a grant under
the Living in Harmony program to deliver and develop at the conference a
very special educational module/kit to address ways to counteract disharmony in
our community. It is proposed that the venue for the Conference (including
accommodation) will be St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill, NSW, on the weekend
of 7th to 9th July 2000. Please take note of these dates.
On behalf of Dioceses and Religious Orders, approximately 120 nominations
have been processed by our office under the Labour Agreement with the Department
of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs which facilitates the entry of
religious workers to Australia, either as temporary or permanent residents.
In October, I attended the IV World Congress on the Pastoral Care of Migrants
and Refugees in Vatican City (see report later in this edition). Pope John Paul
met with us during the Congress. In his address, he spoke about the increasing
international response to restrict border access and to increase security and
control. His thoughts reflected those of many migration workers who fear for the
future of displaced people.
Overall, the year has been a busy but satisfying one and we hope that we can
also accomplish many good things next year.
May the Love and Joy of the Christmas Season be with you throughout the Year.
(Fr) John Murphy
MAY THE LOVE AND JOY OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON BE WITH YOU THROUGHOUT 1999
The following details why the 1998 Paul Cullen Award was presented to Reverend
Monsignor G.M. Crennan P.A.
Monsignor George Crennan was National Director of the Federal Catholic
Immigration Committee from 1949 to 1995. Among his tasks in that position was
the arranging of sponsorship from within the Catholic Church in Australia for
thousands of refugees from various countries. He also developed, implemented and
administered interest-free travel loans for refugees and needy migrants not
eligible for assistance from other sources. Through revolving funds set up
directly by the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) and in
association with the International Organisation for Migration, he helped some
60,000 people with an outlay of more than A$18,000,000.
Monsignor Crennan was a Council member of the ICMC from 1952 to 1992, and
Vice-President for 15 years. In 1992, he was made a Life Honorary Council
Member.
Monsignor Crennan was also the founding National Director of Australian
Catholic Relief (now Caritas Australia), Australian representative on Caritas
Internationalis and Cor Unum, founding member of the Superior Council on
Migration (now the Pontificial Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants,
Refugees and Itinerant People), founding Vice-President of the International
Council of Voluntary Agencies (1962), and a member of the Australian World
Refugee Year Committee, 1959.
Other awards granted to Monsignor Crennan included the P A (Prothonotary
Apostolic 1957), OBE in 1967 and AO in 1989.
Honours were also conferred on him by Caritas Australia in 1979 and by the
Catholic Bishops of Australia in 1995.
Activities
National Refugee Week
National Refugee Week was celebrated from 11 to 17 October and was considered
a success. The theme this year was 'clearing a safe path' in response to an
international trend to clear landmines.
The launch of Refugee Week was celebrated at a reception given by the
Governor-General, Sir William Deane and Lady Deane at Government House on 7
October 1998. This was a particularly special occasion as Monsignor George
Crennan was presented with the 1998 Paul Cullen award for assistance to migrants
and refugees.
Monsignor Crennan accepted the award from Sir William Deane and replied that
he was overwhelmed to receive such an award especially at the age of 97 -
see photo.
Also marking the occasion was the attendance of a Burmese family of five who
had recently arrived in Canberra from the Thai/Burma border. This was a special
event for the family as they realised that human respect and dignity are central
tenets of the Australian culture and that refugees are valued as contributing
members of the Australian society. The family felt very special by the simple
fact of being invited to the reception. They each took great joy in exploring
Government House and the surrounding gardens. The family dressed in their
traditional Mon ethnic clothes. They received much attention due to their
colourful costume.
Many local refugee week activities in the ACT were successful. Jointly the
Migrant Resource Centre and ACMRO arranged an informal gathering in City Walk by
several community groups selling food and handing out information about their
group. ACMRO also held an information session at Centacare on the issues
surrounding refugee settlement. Ann-Mari Jordens, a member of the Canberra
Advisory Group, presented a talk on the concept of the former Good Neighbour
Movement. Bishop Pat Power presented reflections and views on the overall
involvement of the local Archdiocese with refugee services and issues.
National Refugee Week Committee
Felicity attended the post national refugee week meeting in Sydney on 27
November. Each Austcare state representative presented comprehensive evaluation
reports on the success and or failures of various activities in their states.
Next years theme has yet to be decided.
Inter-Governmental/non-Governmental Organisations Forum (IG/NGO Forum)
Since the last edition of Journeys' End, Fr Murphy attended two meetings of
the IG/NGO Forum - in Melbourne (August) and Sydney (November). Issues on the
agenda included: Humanitarian Program reports, Onshore Protection Program
reports, the issues of Detention and the welfare of asylum seekers, settlement
issues, new Migration Agents' regulations.
Representatives of Australian Correctional Management (ACM), which manages
the Detention centres, also attended.
International reports were given by the Department of Immigration and
Multicultural Affairs, by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) and by some NGOs. At the November meeting, the UNHCR Executive
Committee Meeting in Geneva (5-11 October) was an important topic. Fr Murphy
also gave a report of the World Congress on the Pastoral Care for Migrants and
Refugees which was held in Vatican City in the same week.
Burma Support Network (BSN)
ACMRO continues to have membership to the Canberra BSN. Many activities were
held throughout the year including a discussion session with two members from
the Department of Foreign Affairs, ASEAN, Regional Issues and Burma Section.
This meeting was requested by the Department as an opportunity to meet with the
members of the BSN and local community and to consider foreign policy issues as
they relate to Australia's relations with Burma. The BSN was grateful for the
opportunity to discuss policy issues and commends the initiative.
The BSN members also met with a Community Aid Abroad member to discuss future
project opportunities to help Burmese people. Unfortunately the situation in
Burma (ie military dictatorship) continues irrespective of the united
international and peaceful demonstrations held in August and September to
commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the uprising. The people of Burma simply
want to bring about political, social and economic change.
The ANU held two Burma Discussion Forums this year. Both forums proved to be
worthwhile and well patronised by many interested people involved in various
aspects concerning Burma. The future of the forum may lead to possible research
study programs. It is hopeful that there is such an interest in Burma at this
important academic level of analysis.
Advisory Group Meetings
ACMRO is especially grateful to the members of the Advisory Groups in
Canberra and Sydney. On the agenda were initial planning arrangements for the
Conference on migrant and refugee issues to be held in July 2000.
Catholic Migrant Centre - Perth
The Catholic Migrant in Perth has celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a number
of events. Archbishop Barry Hickey, before heading for Rome met with board and
staff members and was the first to sign the special Jubilee Book. Over 200
people attended a special Multicultural Thanksgiving Mass con-celebrated by 16
priests. The week culminated with a prestigious Gala Dinner and Dance attended
by 300 quests at the Rendezvous Hotel on the esplanade at Scarborough Beach. A
surprise speech was delivered by Mr Bill Hoff from India who was sponsored by
the Centre and arrived in Perth in March 1948.
Update/News
East Timorese
East Timorese - The Government has appealed against the Federal Court's
decision that East Timorese do not have effective Portugeses nationality,
effectively opening avenues for granting of refugee status. The Opposition
agrees with the Court's decision.
Asylum Seekers
A regulation to remove the right to work for some asylum seekers came into
effect on 1 July 1998. The asylum seekers concerned are those whose refugee
claims have been rejected by the Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) and who are
making further appeals to the Courts or to the Minister. Their right to work
ceases 28 days after the notification of rejection by the RRT. Recently, the
Australian Democrats introduced a motion into the Senate to disallow this
regulation. The disallowance motion was unsuccessful and so the regulation
remains effective.
In early 1999 the Senate will debate the prospect of placing limitations on
refugee appeals to the judiciary.
Immigration News
ACT Regional Office - DIMA
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) recently
contacted our office to take part in a community input on settlement programs
and services questionnaire. This is the preliminary stage for DIMA who plan
to develop a guide for feedback mechanisms for NGO's and other agencies. This
mechanism will enable the agencies to report on Government funded services for
migrants and to consider improvements to settlement services.
CIN Focus Group
The office was also invited to take part in a discussion group about the
development of the Community Information Network (CIN) on 8 December by the
Settlement Policy and Planning Community Programs Sections. The project aims to
develop DIMA website pages to provide information on all aspects of migration
and settlement in Australia. The project has a very positive aspect for many
NGO/agencies/organisations that provide settlement assistance, as a major part
of the project is to develop an electronic reporting and communication system
for use by migrant resource centres to report to DIMA on the status and details
of case management. The possibility exists procedure can be extended for use by
NGOs, as there is currently no formal reporting procedure for non-migrant
resource centre case managers. NGOs involved in settlement work should take
advantage of the consultative opportunity to help shape the project.
Regulation Amendments - Update and explanation
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs advises that amendments
to Regulations effective on l November include:
- Changes to visa requirements for parents and aged dependent relatives.
Visa applications by these people will generally have to be made offshore.
Working aged parents can no longer apply for a permanent visa, unless they
have a settled dependent child under18 years who is an Australian citizen,
permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Changes to Assurances of Support arrangements and levels of bond for
certain applicants.
Anyone who provides an assurance of support must now also undertake to
provide financial support so that the migrant does not need to seek financial
assistance from the Government. This is in addition to the undertaking they
make to reimburse the Government for any benefits that the migrant claims from
the Government in their first two years of settlement.
Where the assurance of support is mandatory (for aged parents, aged
dependant relatives, and preferential family):
- the new rates are $4000 for the first applicant and $2000 for additional
adults on the same application;
- the person who provides the assurance must prove that he or she has a
minimum income of $23400 per year;
- for parents or aged dependant relatives, the 2nd instalment of
the Visa Application Charge (payable only by those who are granted a visa)
is now $5000 for all adults and $945 for minors.
Amendments effective 1 December include:
- Changes to student visa conditions. Overseas students will not be
granted permission to work until after they have arrived in Australia and have
produced evidence that they have commenced their educational course. People from
'low risk countries' who are in Australia on a temporary visa will be able
to change to a student visa while in Australia if they find a course of study
they would like to attend.
- Changes to Special Need Relative provisions and arrangements. Visas
for these people have been revised and renamed carer's visa with a
stricter assessment process that limits 'need' to 'medical need'.
- More restricted access to bridging visas for unsuccessful visa applicants who
seek exercise of the Minister's intervention powers more than once.
- Amendments to the split family provisions for refugee and humanitarian
applicants to remove certain anomalies. All permanent residents,
including Australian citizens, who received residence in Australia with
humanitarian or protection visas, will now be able to propose immediate family
members under the split family provisions. Applications must be made within 5
years of the date on which the proposer's humanitarian entry or protection
visa was granted.
The following report by Fr John Murphy, who attended the Vatican Congress in
October, highlights the Pope's concern for consideration of the complex issues
surrounding migration.
IV WORLD CONGRESS ON THE PASTORAL CARE OF MIGRANTS AND
REFUGEES
Recently, I was a participant at the Fourth World Congress on the Pastoral
Care of Migrants and Refugees, held under the auspices of the Pontifical Council
for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People. The Congress sessions
were in the New Hall of the Synod of Bishops in Vatican City from 5 to 10
October 1998.
There were 487 participants representing 104 countries: 36 of these countries
were from Africa, 20 from America, 18 from Asia (including Israel, Jordan,
Lebanon, UAE), 29 from Europe, and 1 from Oceania (Australia). Italy had the
largest number of representatives (141), followed by the USA (44), Holy See
(29), Germany (20). Australia had 6 representatives. The Swiss representatives
included the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the
International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Refugee and Migration
Services of the World Council of Churches (RMS/WCC), and the International
Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC).
The principal languages used at the Congress were French, Italian, English,
German and Spanish. Direct translations of proceedings were available when
required.
The opening and closing days began with Mass in St. Peter's Basilica in
French and Italian respectively. On the other days (when the Mass was in German,
Spanish and English), we went to various parish churches within 10 minutes'
walk from St. Peter's. Choirs, including groups from the Philippines, Zaire,
and a school for children of immigrants in Rome led the singing at these Masses.
On Wednesday night, the Mayor of Rome, the Honorable Francesco Rutelli,
addressed us in the Council Room of the Town Hall, and provided refreshments. He
spoke of the traditional welcome of foreigners in Rome yesterday and today. On
Thursday night, residents in Rome from Latin American countries and Zaire
provided a buffet of traditional dishes.
Pope John Paul welcomed us on the Friday. In his speech, he noted that "migrations
constitute a problem whose urgency grows with its complexity. Almost everywhere
today there is the tendency to close borders and to make very rigorous
checks." He said that closed borders lead to "an unbridled flow
of clandestine immigrants for whom living conditions are very difficult".
The Holy Father affirmed that "the primary right of every person is
to live in their homeland provided certain factors which lead to migration are
constantly held under control: internal conflicts, wars, systems of government,
the unequal distribution of economic resources, an incoherent agricultural
policy, irrational industrialisation and spreading corruption. To correct these
situations, it is vital to promote a balanced economic development, a
progressive overcoming of social inequities, a scrupulous respect for the human
person, and a good functioning of democratic structures."
He raised the issue that a major consequence of globalisation is when
industrialised countries, which once produced goods in their own land, "with
the contribution of numerous immigrants", now do so in developing
countries where, too often, they exploit workers, paying "low prices
without having to bear the burden of the presence of migrants. Such a system is
unacceptable, where the human dimension of work is practically ignored."
The Holy Father urged Christians "to be present by offering concrete
proposals to be achieved on the political level. The simple denunciation of
racism or xenophobia is not enough".
Archbishop Stephen Hamao, of Japan, newly appointed President of the
Pontifical Council, presided over all sessions, speaking in either Italian or
English. Each morning, until 11am, there were four or five talks, followed by
workshops or workshop reports and discussion in the general assembly. The talks
were on the following general themes:
Migration in our time; Migration and the international community; Migration
and the receiving community; & The Church in the face of migration today.
Particular issues which were addressed by speakers were the: Remission of the
debts of poor countries; Irregular migration, amnesty for undocumented migrants,
and the effects of economic globalization on migration.
Friday was a full day spent on consideration of the pastoral care of refugees
and migrants.
Mrs. Narcisa Escalar, Deputy General (IOM) gave the opening keynote address
on Today's Migration. Mrs. Irene Koch (UNHCR), Mr. Patrick Taran (RMS/WCC)
and Fr. Mark Raper (Jesuit Refugee Service) were members of a panel of speakers
on "the sufferings of the refugees". Constant themes in the talks were
irregular migrants, illegal migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, trafficking
in people, the problems which economic globalisation brings for migrants.
There were 8 workshop groups - in French (2), Italian (2), English (2),
Spanish and German. The theme of my group was: "Multicultural societies and
the role of the ecclesial community". There was discussion of integration
versus multiculturalism. Concrete and practical pastoral programs in the
Churches of both arrival and origin should be put in place. Bishops must
encourage their priests to be sensitive to migrants in order to provide an
atmosphere of belonging and acceptance. The official documentation of the Church
on pastoral care should be noted and used.
Before the report of each workshop group, there were communications from:
Raphaels-Werk (Germany);
- The Society of Christ (which cares for Polish migrants);
- Three sections of the Scalabrinian Order (Priests, Sisters and Lay
Missionaries) who care for all migrants and refugees;
- The United States Committee on Migration;
- The International Catholic Migration Commission; &
On the final day, a draft communique was presented, and brief discussion
followed. The final communique and copies of all the talks are now being
prepared, and will be sent to participants as soon as possible.
The following story was provided by Sr Margaret Burchell, UNIYA, Sydney and
is about a secondary student who has just been granted Permanent Residency in
Australian
" A remarkable young man"
Monday 28 September 1998 will always be a date, not only to remember, but
also one to celebrate for Peter Nguyen. On this day, he received the letter from
the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Mr Philip Ruddock, confirming
that he had been granted Permanent Residence in Australia under the humanitarian
program.
This news, as you might imagine, brought to Peter and his many Australian
friends, great relief and joy. Peter was born in Vietnam 20 years ago. He sadly
did not know his natural mother and tragically his Australian foster mother died
when he was only10 years old. Poverty, hard work, loneliness and lack of
recognition were the features of his early life. His birth was never registered
and subsequently he had no identification. Amazingly at the age of 13 Peter left
Vietnam and walked via Cambodia to Thailand and into a refugee camp where he led
a very miserable life for a number of years. Eventually he escaped and made his
way via Bangkok, Malaysia and Singapore to Indonesia where he was lucky to meet
a sympathetic Bishop, who helped him and paid for his airfare to Australia.
Ironically he had a valid visa but an invalid and false passport.
On arrival in Sydney he proceeded to make application for refugee status.
Despite good representation, Peter's primary application was rejected by the
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs on a technicality and his
appeal to the Refugee Review Tribunal was turned down. Peter appealed to the
Minister for acceptance on humanitarian grounds. An overwhelming number of
representations were made to Minister Ruddock in support of Peter's
application.
So, it is not surprising for those who know Peter well, that this remarkable,
resilient, persistent and thoroughly likeable young man was eventually accepted
under Australia's Humanitarian Program.
On Wednesday 9 September 1998, a group of us, including Peter, went to St.
Ignatius College, Riverview, to present Alexander Bye with his prize for winning
the Poster Competition for Refugee and Migrant Sunday. Peter told his story to
the assembled school. The students were noticeably attentive and eager to hear
Peter's story. At the end of his incredibly moving story of heroism, struggle,
loneliness and dogged determination to find a home somewhere and of his
gratitude to Australia for giving him protection, he received prolonged
applause.
The next day, the Headmaster received a letter from a parent of two Riverview
boys who attended Peter's talk. The letter expressed gratitude for organising
the event, and the impact of the story on the students. The parent commented
that one of her sons had said "Mum, he was such an inspiration".
Congratulations Peter and best wishes for your future.
Catholic Immigration/Multicultural Offices
National
Director - Rev Fr John J Murphy
Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office
GPO Box 2720
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: 02 6201 9848
Fax: 02 6247 7466
Email: acmro@cath.org.au
Street Address:
2nd Floor, Favier House, 1 Ballumbir Street, Braddon ACT 2612
Brisbane
Coordinator - Jose Zepeda
Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care
PO Box 112 Paddington QLD 4064
Tel: 07 3876 3294
Fax: 07 3369 3094
Street Address:
333 Given Terrace
Paddington Qld 4064
Sydney
Executive Director - Clare Schmitzer
Catholic Immigration Office
9th Floor
Polding House
276 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9390 5148 or 02 9390 5100
Fax: 02 9264 5093
Adelaide
Director - Mario Trinidad
Catholic Multicultural Pastoral Service
2nd Floor
Diocesan Church Office
39 Wakefield Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Tel: 08 8210 8169
Fax: 08 8223 3880
Perth
Director - Gerald Searle
Catholic Migrant Centre
25 Victoria Centre
Perth WA 6000
Tel: 08 9221 1727
Fax: 08 9221 3793Melbourne
Episcopal Vicar for Migrants and Refugees
Rev Fr John Raccanello CS
Melbourne
Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office
PO Box 146
East Melbourne Vic 3002
Tel: 03 9926 5677
Fax: 03 9926 5617
Secretary: Rosalie Koko
Hobart
Contact- Rev Fr Chris Mithen CP
St Joseph's Presbytery
65 Harrington Street
Hobart Tas 7000
Tel: 03 6234 4866
Fax: 03 6234 3584
Darwin
Diocesan Coordinator
Mr Mike Higgins
PO Box 39580
Winnellie NT 0821
Tel: 08 8981 3352
Fax: 08 8941 2101
Canberra
Director Centacare
Neil Harrigan
PO Box 1367
Manuka ACT 2603
Tel: 02 6239 7700
Fax: 02 6239 7171
Street Address:
42 Canberra Avenue
Manuka ACT 2603
This newsletter will be published twice a year. If you wish to contribute an
article to the next newsletter contact us on 02 6201 9848.
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