The Labor government’s proposed deportation bill, aimed at penalizing non-compliant non-citizens, has hit a snag in the Senate due to concerns over human rights and potential for discriminatory treatment.
The proposed deportation bill by the Labor government in Australia faced hurdles in its passage through the Senate after the Coalition and the Greens joined forces to delay its approval, citing the need for further inquiry. The bill, which seeks to penalize non-citizens with imprisonment should they not cooperate with deportation processes, has stirred controversy and debate across multiple fronts.
Under the proposed legislation, any non-citizen facing deportation who fails to comply with directives could face severe penalties, including jail terms and fines exceeding $90,000. This legislative move has particularly alarmed refugees, migrant groups, and specifically the Iranian community in Australia, due to the potential for discriminatory treatment and unjust targeting based on nationality. Critics have raised concerns about the bill’s resemblance to “Trump-style travel bans” and its broad executive powers, which could enable the government to blacklist entire countries from obtaining visas. Nations such as Russia, Iran, Iraq, and South Sudan have been mentioned as possible targets for such measures.
This legislative initiative has sparked fears of worsening bilateral relations, human rights violations, and the long-term separation of families. It has also led to criticism over the potential drift away from Australia’s multicultural values. Individuals on Bridging Visa E, including many who have been rejected under the fast-track system, face an uncertain future should the bill be passed, with possible prosecution and forced removals looming over their heads.
The delay in the Senate, described by independent senator David Pocock as a significant blow to the Labor government, pushes the bill’s review to at least six weeks further, coinciding with the budget week. This has provided a temporary reprieve and a chance for more in-depth consideration of the bill’s implications. Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil expressed disappointment over the delay, emphasizing the government’s intent to use the bill as a means to enhance the migration system and community safety.
Critics and advocates, including human rights lawyer and refugee Betia Shakiba, have called attention to the bill’s potential cruelty and its impact on marginalized communities, urging Australians to stand in solidarity with those affected. As the bill undergoes further scrutiny in a Senate inquiry, its future remains uncertain, with profound implications for Australia’s immigration policy and the values it seeks to uphold.
