[Greens-Media] Morrison’s "work rights for refugees" a cruel joke

[Schultz-Byard, Noah (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 12 December 2014

Morrison’s “work rights for refugees” a cruel joke

Revelations that refugees in the community on Bridging Visas won’t be given work rights automatically are concerning and expose the fact that the Immigration Minister’s deal with the cross bench on TPVs is a joke, the Australian Greens have said.

“Scott Morrison’s cruel trick will see thousands of refugees left without the right to work and support themselves,” the Greens’ immigration spokesperson, Sarah Hanson-Young said.

“The Immigration Minister has set himself up as the gate-keeper and will have to personally intervene, on a case by case basis, for anyone to be granted work rights. It’s clear that, because of the sheer volume of interventions required and the excessive bureaucracy, the vast majority of refugees will be left to languish without work rights.

“Scott Morrison has conned the cross bench with a dodgy deal and it’s the refugees who have lost out.

“These people, who are already in the community, should be given the ability to work, contribute to society and support themselves. It’s only the Abbott government’s obsession with punishing refugees that’s standing in the way.

“The Minister should honour his deal with the cross bench and immediately grant work rights to every Bridging Visa holder in the country. It’s the only decent thing to do.”


Media Contact: Noah Schultz-Byard 0427 604 760


NOAH SCHULTZ-BYARD  STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER

OFFICE OF SENATOR SARAH HANSON-YOUNG
AUSTRALIAN GREENS SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
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