Introduction

The Assessment was about writing a letter to a member of parliament about a change that we felt passionate about. The letter includes details that are factual and suggestions that could better improve the problem. My topic was the ‘Treatment of Asylum Seekers’ and what should be done to better improve their lives and their living conditions. To check my letter, please read the text below.

Letter

                                                                                       Aun Mohammad

                                                                                        5 Ashtree Boulevard

                                                                                       Wattle Grove

                                                                                       PH: 451 016 596                                              Email: Aun.mohammad@allsaints.wa.edu

Honourable Stephen James Price MP

 PO Box 2192

 High Wycombe WA 6057

12^th May 2022

Dear Hon. Price,

I am writing to draw your attention to the unsatisfactory treatment of asylum seekers in Australia and the actions required to address the challenges and issues faced by them in our multi-cultural community. It’s in my best interest, that I voice my opinions and give some suggestions that could be implemented to help out our country as well as all the struggling asylum seekers.

I am a local resident of your electorate of Forrestfield and am deeply uneased by the horrendous treatment of asylum seekers, and the cynical impacts it has had on Australia. As a law-abiding citizen, I feel obliged to stand up for my rights and the rights of others.

As you are already aware, during the year 2020, the government had only accepted 4558 asylum seekers, in comparison to the 12,706 accepted back in 2018. This is a significant decline in number, which has, and continues to have unfavourable influence on the asylum seekers as well as our community, due to the following impacts:

• Safety and well-being
• Negative economic growth
• Limited employment opportunities
• Fatalistic impact on our multi-cultural society

Australia has a long history of accepting refugees for resettlement and over 700 000 asylum seekers since 1945. However, despite this long‐term commitment, the current Resettlement Program in the Offshore facilities doesn’t seem to be fair which is also supported by the following:

• UNHCR Global Refugee Statistical Analysis i.e., Australia’s total contribution for the decade is ranked 25th overall, 29th per capita and 54th relative to national GDP;
• Significant drop in payments/donations administered by Services Australia i.e., $139.8 Million in 2017 to $39.5 Million in 2020;
• Lengthy and complex Refugee Status Determination process.

I understand that the government has been challenged to review their Asylum Seekers Policy both globally and locally, but surely there is a way that the resolution of the policy can be amended on common grounds which can benefit the wellbeing of asylum seekers as well as the local economy. While this may compromise some initial plans for the government, it would be doing Australians and our economy a great justice.  As asylum seekers bring different skills and talents to Australia, as well as the fact; that they take up jobs that most Australians wouldn’t.

Some strategies that could be implemented to help asylum seekers come into our country as well as the course of treatment they deserve upon their arrival:

• Accept more people and provide them with reasonable housing temporarily until more resources or space are available.
• There should be health care and immunisation centres assigned for refugees for free health checks and immunisations. 
• There should be a dedicated mental health line and psychologists for refugees who are suffering from mental health conditions/traumas. E.g., PTSD, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Anxiety and Depression.

I believe with deep passion, that those that have struggled and yet still not lost hope, deserve to be brought into our country. By not accepting enough asylum seekers, we are putting many innocent victims at risk of persecution, and for what. By doing this, we are assisting in the oppression of specific groups of people. These people escape their countries of origin, with the idea that Australia will support them and help them through their struggle for survival and independence. Additionally, as a nation we are effecting our economy as the reasons mentioned previously. Is putting millions of innocent lives at danger of persecution the ethical thing to do? And does it not deface Australia’s reputation as a multi-cultural and welcoming country?

Please consider my words of advice, as Australia continues to develop for the better.

Yours sincerely,

Aun Mohammad

Q1)

For the last Term and a half, our class participated in a fun and engaging science competition that was based on the theme of ‘Change’. The purpose of the competition, was to make an engaging video that wasn’t just all content focused and use techniques that would captivate the audience. The criteria for the competition was; if the video followed a clear and concise logical sequence, did the video use realistic and relevant examples, did the film present accurate science and us appropriate language and did he film show creative approaches.

Q2)

Throughout the project our group was organised, as each person had some contributions to the group and we were able to divide and conquer. Each member of our group had their own established role, as each of us had our owns strengths. This also helped, as some group members didn’t have to do things they weren’t comfortable with. If we were to do the competition again, I think it would be better for each group member to try new things, so that they can learn and experience different ways of thinking.

Q3)

Our group didn’t have any major disagreements, however, our group had an occasional argument about what we should have been doing. As a group, we thought it was in our best interest to avoid these arguments, so we created a system in which everyone had a say and there would be less arguments. For most of the process, this system worked and our arguments became very limited, as everyone had a say. For next time, I would use the system from more early on, so that there would be less time wasted in arguments and more time in hearing different perspectives.

Q4)

We managed our time well as each member of our group has understood their role and did whatever it took to finish the video on time. Due to our good communication we were able to finish the video early and have some time to seek feedback from some of our peers. For next time, it would be better for our group to have submitted the video a little bit earlier, as for some reason the sounds weren’t working, however, this was resolved by members of our group and know the video is out for anyone to see.