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.
Let them stay: rally for permanent visas
Wednesday 24 August, 4.30pm at Immigration Dept, 2 Lonsdale St
Permanent visas now!
Thursday 1 September, 12pm at Andew Giles’ office
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.
Car convoy case adjourned until 6 September
UPDATED ON 1 MARCH. A magistrate today adjourned the case until 6 September while the Court of Appeal hears a case that has a bearing on the RAC supporters’ fines.
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Almost 30 RAC Vic supporters are appealing fines imposed for taking part in a COVID-safe car convoy to the Mantra Hotel prison in April 2020. On Monday, 4 October, a magistrate adjourned the case for a two-hour hearing on 1 March.
The RAC supporters were issued with fines of $1652 each for sitting safely in their cars while trying to drive round the Mantra in Preston to show support for the Medevac refugees then locked up there.
The fines totalled about $50,000 and were issued at a time when people could visit shops like Bunnings without face masks.
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.
RAC supporters were showing care and compassion for the refugees who were locked in the hotel and at risk of contracting COVID from security guards.
RAC argued then, and continues to argue, that the real health risk was not a car convoy but unlimited detention of men who had been accepted as refugees but left to rot by the Australian government.