UCA Congratulates Rudd Government on the Abolition of TPVs

The Uniting Church in Australia has congratulated the Rudd Government on its decisions to abolish the Temporary Protection Visa regime and to increase the number of places in the offshore Humanitarian Program.

Rev. Elenie Poulos, National Director of UnitingJustice Australia, wrote to Senator Christopher Evans, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, commending the Australian Government’s decisions.

The Uniting Church has campaigned for many years for the abolition of the Temporary Protection Visas and an increase in Humanitarian Program places.

In the letter, Elenie also cited the Uniting Church’s 2002 Policy Paper on Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Humanitarian Entrants which outlines the key values the Church believes should underpin Australia’s policies, legislation and practices.

Rev. Elenie Poulos and Rev. Tony Floyd, National Director of Multicultural and Cross-cultural Ministries, are scheduled to meet with the Hon. Christopher Evans on Tuesday 20 May.

A range of issues will be discussed at the meeting, including the Citizenship Test, work rights for asylum seekers, ministerial intervention and detention centre bills.

Letter to the Hon. Senator Chris Evans