Deportation laws draw chorus of condemnation

The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia adds its voice to Catholic and refugee advocacy organisations’ condemnation of the Albanese Government’s secretive deal with Nauru and the unfair Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2025 Measures No. 1) Bill 2025 that was rushed through parliament on 4 September.

'These measures represent a shameful retreat from the principles of justice, compassion and human dignity towards migrants and refugees that Australia must uphold,’ said the Society’s National President, Mark Gaetani.

‘The passage of this Bill removes legal safeguards, most notably the right to natural justice and procedural fairness for those facing deportation,’ he said.

‘The Bill enables mass deportations to Nauru under a secret financial agreement, struck without transparency or meaningful parliamentary scrutiny. Reports from a rushed Senate hearing suggest this deal could cost Australian taxpayers as much as $7 billion, with no cap on numbers and no clarity over the expenditure of public money.’

These changes strip away protections for refugees and migrants, making it easier to deport people to Nauru without proper transparency or legal safeguards. The legislation may extend beyond those affected by the NZYQ decision. It could potentially affect any of the 75,000 people living in Australia without a visa, as well as several thousand people whose bridging visas could be cancelled.

‘As an organisation, the Society has always stood with migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, providing emergency relief and advocating for fair treatment,’ Mr Gaetani said.

‘We believe that every person deserves dignity, compassion, and justice, regardless of the way they arrived in Australia. The new legislation removes basic legal rights, including access to fair hearings for those facing deportation. Families, including children and long-term community members, now face the threat of being deported without safe options or the chance to appeal these decisions.’

The process for deportation decisions is now left entirely to government ministers, lacking transparency and proper oversight. This could lead to family separations and indefinite detentions, contrary to the principles of justice and compassion that underpin Australian society.

Alongside other Catholic and refugee organisations, the St Vincent de Paul Society – one of Australia’s largest charities – calls on the government to reconsider these harsh changes, consult with legal experts, social services and affected communities, and ensure Australia’s system reflects fairness and humanity.

The Society remains committed to supporting refugees and asylum seekers and will continue to advocate for policies that uphold justice and compassion for all those seeking safety in Australia.

More details about our advocacy can be found on our website: vinnies.org.au/national-council/advocacy/refugees-and-people-seeking-asylum

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 45,000 members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.

MEDIA CONTACT
0475 068 209 or media@svdp.org.au