Letter to MP

Brief

Our class was tasked to write a letter to an MP about a political issue we had chosen. We were given a variety of options, and I chose to discuss the “treatment of asylum seekers.” This is a federal issue.

Asylum seekers are treated very harshly and are subjected to cruel and inhuman measures due to the “anti asylum seeker” protocol. In 1992 Australia introduced a mandatory detention for any asylum seekers who arrive via boat. Since then, those that have been intercepted during voyage will be forcibly returned to the grounds they have left. Any that are unable to return are imprisoned immediately in any of the South Pacific Island detention centres.

I hoped to bring across a strong message in my letter that would convince the government to improve the overall living standards for asylum seekers, as well as reducing the minimum mandatory detention times.

I want asylum seekers to be given a fair and humane chance when they arrive in Australia. Although the government and immigration department have put in place settlement services for asylum seekers, these benefits are given only sparingly and are not accessible to all. Overall, asylum seekers should be treated with respect and be allowed to apply for a visa or be given a pre-selected time to provide identification to government officials, so they are not forcibly subjected to the hostile conditions of the refugee camps.

Letter to MP

Letter:

18 May 2022

Ben Morton MP

PO Box 329

Willeton WA 6955

Dear Mr. Morton,

I am writing to ask for your support in allowing immigrants to apply for a visa upon arrival in Australia, whilst in detention. I also ask that they be lawfully released into the community after being detained for a maximum period of 90 days if they have not received a visa within that time.

I am a resident of Tangney’s electorate, Applecross, but am deeply concerned about the treatment of asylum seekers across all borders in Australia. Reducing the detention time for most detainees will help increase the turnover rate within these faculties, leading to healthier and less population-dense detention centres.

As you would be aware, a large number of refugees intercepted across the halfway point from their previous destinations are placed into mandatory detention centres in the South Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea and Nauru. Those positioned closer to their homelands are forcibly returned.

Asylum seekers are currently detained for a minimum period of 90 days, and most are subjected to harsh treatments that are mentally and physically harmful. They are given minimum life support and medication within this period, effectively imprisoned until they choose to return to their home country. A study conducted by BMC psychiatry in 2017 showed that a shocking 34% of children in these facilities suffered from trauma and other mental health disorders, compared to 2% within the Australian population. (Manne. 2018 Treatment of asylum seekers in Australia.)

Under current arrangements, asylum seekers not granted a visa are confined in detention for as long as the Australian Government sees fit. Those without visas face either remaining in detention or returning to their home country. I am proposing to RELEASE these immigrants into Australia after 90 days, as well as the opportunity to apply for a visa within this time. This will reduce the risk of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and provide opportunities for refugees to gain a visa faster. Refugees are amongst the most valuable members of Australian society and releasing them efficiently will benefit the working population. Migrants should be detained for the shortest possible time, and only deported if they have exhausted their legal life support after fair asylum procedures.

Once again I ask you to change the maximum detention period to 90 days, allowing asylum seekers to apply for a visa within this time. Immigrants account for roughly 30% of our working population, and provide cultural diversity along with being highly skilled, making Australia a successful and unique country. I hope I can trust you to do what is best for our society and grow Australia as an ethically responsible nation.

Yours sincerely,

Max Cherian