Established in 2000, RAC is a democratic, grassroots activist collective, representing a broad cross section of the community.
Read our original Mission Statement from December 2000
An up-to-date summary of our political demands is:
- Abolish mandatory detention which violates basic human rights and contravenes the UN Refugee Convention, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Stop deporting asylum seekers who face torture and death in the country from which they have fled.
- Close Christmas Island detention centre as required by international law and recommended by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission of Australia.
- Stop racist scapegoating such as calling asylum seekers “illegals”, “economic migrants”, and “queue jumpers.”
- End the “Indonesian Solution” which violates international law. Since Indonesia has not signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, it cannot be a partner in its implementation.
- Compensate those refugees who suffer on-going psychological and physical harm as a result of lengthy detention under the Howard government.
- Stop fanning the lie that Australia is in danger of being overrun by boat people. Educate the public about our obligations to refugees under Australian and international law.
Refugees fleeing persecution deserve to be treated with respect, not locked up on Christmas Island or in Indonesia. The policies of both major political parties are designed to placate some in the electorate who fear a flood of asylum seekers. These refugees - men, women, and children - are used as pawns in a political game by both the government and the opposition.
While RAC members have diverse political and personal views, RAC's role in the campaign for refugee rights is informed by an understanding of the bigger political picture, including an historical and international perspective. In fighting for the rights of people fleeing persecution, we respond to the inspiration, courage and suffering of particular individuals. At the same time, we expose and challenge the underlying political, social and economic causes of refugee movements and the violent abuse of refugees' rights.
Join the Campaign for Refugee Justice
Despite some recent campaign wins, there's still a long road ahead in the fight for freedom and full rights for all refugees. At RAC we're committed to exposing the truth about the brutality of Australia's refugee regime, and to building public momentum around issues of detention, temporary visas and deportations…but we desperately need your help.
How You Can Contribute
You don't need any particular skills, just the desire to help in the fight for freedom and full rights for refugees. It's up to you to choose your level of involvement with RAC, and the ways in which you'd like to contribute. You'll get a sense of what we're doing, and how you can help, by joining our email lists, and coming along to meetings. We're always in need of help, so any contribution at all is greatly appreciated. Please also make sure you tell us if there are particular ways in which you'd like to assist.
RAC Meetings
RAC meets at least monthly, at the Multicultural Hub, 560 Elizabeth Street, opposite Victoria Market. As we work through agenda items, people indicate to the chairperson if they wish to speak. Speakers are added to a speaking list and called in turn. This is done quite informally, but ensures everyone has an opportunity to contribute. At the end of each item we vote on any concrete proposals arising out of it. All those attending the meeting are welcome to vote. You don't have to be an established RAC member to contribute to discussions or to vote on proposals. RAC is committed to democratic decision-making, and the opinions of everyone attending the meeting are listened to with respect.
RAC Email Lists
RAC has two email lists; one, rac-announce, which is low traffic, for major announcements, events, etc; and rac-activists which is used by people who want to be more involved, i.e. more of a discussion list. You may also wish to subscribe to refugee news which has regular news items on refugees and the refugee campaign.
To subscribe to any of these lists send a blank email to:
racvic-subscribe@topica.com for rac-announce
racactivists-subscribe@yahoogroups.com for rac-activists
racvicnews-subscribe@topica.com for refugee news
Donating to RAC
RAC relies on donations and our own fundraising efforts…and we're always desperate for money! The costs of holding a rally or event like the Tampa commemoration, for example, can be huge. Posters for a recent rally cost $900, while the hire of a PA system costs around $700. Donations to RAC can be made by depositing money directly into the RAC account, Commonwealth Bank BSB: 063 262, Account 1025 2396, or send cheques to: PO Box 578 Carlton South, Vic 3053. Visit our fundraising page for more ways you can help us raise money.
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contact us:
refugeeaction@hotmail.com
 follow us on Facebook
A RAC meeting - circa 2004
donating to refugee families
Refugee Action Collective (Victoria) is a political lobby group. We do not handle gifts of clothing, food, toys or household furniture and appliances. If you wish to make these sorts of donations, please visit the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre who will be glad to help you. Of course, both RAC and ASRC can easily handle gifts of money. See bottom of page to donate money to RAC.
badges have always been a good way for us to do two things: (1) get the message out there, and (2) raise funds.
 
   
When meetings were at Trades Hall, we adjourned afterwards to the bar where Paddy served us many drinks, before he retired
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