Questions about refugees? Get the facts
RAV Vic produces a Refugee Facts flyer, updated with relevant and timely information from time to time.
This is the newest version, updated in June 2022.
You’re welcome to download and share it.
Rally for refugees
Join these events, demanding freedom for refugees and permanent protection.
Close MITA: Free the refugees and 501s
Saturday 1 October, 2pm at 120 Camp Road, Broadmeadows
Permanent visas now!
Saturday 5 November, 2pm at State Library
Car convoy fines update
RAC supporters are continuing to contest the fines imposed on Good Friday 2020 for taking part in a COVID-safe car convoy around the Mantra Hotel in Preston, where Medevac refugees were being held.
Thirty refugee supporters were fined $1652 each, taking the total bill for standing up for refugee rights to about $50,000.
RAC activist Chris Breen was arrested at home the same day and charged with incitement for allegedly posting a Facebook event promoting the car convoy. He won his case in court in March this year.
The legal process of challenging the fines has been long and drawn out, partly because there is a case in the Supreme Court of Victoria which may well affect the magistrate’s decision in the RAC case.
On 6 September, the RAC case was adjourned once again.
There will be a special conference on 21 December, where legal matters arising in the light of the Supreme Court case will be discussed. This will be followed by a contest mention on 7 March 2023.
RAC will continue to campaign for the right to protest for refugees.
Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention Bill 2021
Refugee Action Collective (RAC) Victoria has made a submission to the parliamentary committee dealing with the Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention Bill (2021).
The Bill was introduced by Independent MP Andrew Wilkie in 2021.
RAC (Vic) has strongly advocated for the dismantling of indefinite and arbitrary detention on the basis that it is punitive and in clear breach of human rights.
RAC (Vic) believes the Bill provides a framework for rectifying many of the abhorrent and cruel components of Australia’s current detention policies.
However, the Bill in its current form still allows for immigration detention, which we oppose. Therefore, we cannot support the Bill in full until amendments are made to delete the potential for any length of immigration detention.