CRAG Newsletter: Actions and film screening

Welcome to the latest edition of the CRAG Newsletter.

First of all, you may have noticed that the CRAG website is now sporting a new, cleaner look! A big thanks to Matt Hrkac for taking this task on. We hope that the website is easier to navigate and its content easier to find. There’s still a few bugs that need to be ironed out but for now, we hope you find the website informative.

Going forward, the CRAG newsletter will be published on this website in addition to being sent out to members via email.

Greens Senator Nick McKim has introduced the Evacuation to Safety Bill, that would offer immediate evacuation to refugees who still remain in Nauru and Papua New Guinea, a decade after the remote detention centres were opened.

The ASRC strongly supports this bill as an urgent mechanism for providing safety for more than 150 people who are still trapped offshore, ten years on.

A Senate Inquiry Report on the bill is due to be released on Tuesday 8th March, and the Bill will be debated and voted on in the Senate next week.

The bill would allow roughly 150 people who are still in Nauru and PNG to temporarily live in the community in Australia until they are resettled to a third country, as long as there have been no adverse security assessments made against them. Those who are evacuated would also be provided with medical assessments and treatment as needed.

Email your MP and Senators now. Urge them to support the Evacuation to Safety Bill. If you’re unsure about how to write to your MP, check out the Resources page for some handy tips.

Health Professionals call for the evacuation of Nauru and PNG in an open letter

The Evacuate Nauru and PNG working group has prepared an Open Letter from health professionals calling for the evacuation of those detained in Nauru and PNG.

If you are a doctor, nurse or allied health professional, please sign and support this letter.

People can read the letter and add their name by clicking here. Information sourced from the Evacuate Nauru and PNG working group. thanks, QRAR News team.

Apollo Bay Rural Australians for Refugees Presents: ‘Batoor: A Refugee Journey’ Screening 5pm Friday 17th March

Share an evening with award-winning Director Barat Ali Batoor and Dr. Richard di Natale

Friday 17th March 5-8pm at Apollo Bay Community Hall, Whelan Street, Apollo Bay

Doors open at 4.30 for ticket sales, tea, coffee and biscuits. Refreshments available 7pm after the discussion – $10 per person

ABRAR Tickets: available from Humanitix. Call Ali 0418 395 205 or Vicky 0417 127 401 for a paper ticket

This ABRAR event is followed by a Landcare sponsored lecture “The Night Sky”.

All are welcome to one, the other, or both, of these events. Please book ahead to ensure a seat and help with catering.