Since 2018, the Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum has been advocating to the Federal and Victorian Government for the rights of people seeking asylum.
Right now, thousands of men, women and children in our communities want justice and a fair chance from the Federal Government to rebuild their lives in Australia. This includes families who have arrived in Australia and become members of our community for over 10 years.
People who came for safety are living with short-term visas, which stop them from working and supporting their families. At the same time, people are excluded from getting health care, accommodation and emergency services. Every week, people are asking for help from charities and local government.
The Federal Government has a responsibility to support people in need and treat people of all backgrounds with respect and kindness.
Back Your Neighbour
The Back Your Neighbour Campaign, was launched by the Mayoral and Councillor Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum, on 3 December 2018.
The campaign is a unified advocacy approach by over 40 local governments from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania, supported by a growing network of community organisations, ambassadors and refugee sector peak bodies.
The Back Your Neighbour campaign strongly recommends for the Federal Government to:
- Provide people with a valid visa with work, travel and study rights.
- Expand the support program eligibility criteria and simplify the application so that people in need can access health care, accommodation support and other essential services.
- Ensure an independent, timely and fair humanitarian application and review.
- Provide people refused protection under the ‘Fast Track’ system a fair review.
- Continue to clear the backlog of asylum applications and appeals.
- Abolish temporary visas and replace them with permanent protection pathways to citizenship for all humanitarian arrivals.
How can I help?
The Back Your Neighbour petition to the Immigration Minister asks for certainty and support for our neighbours, friends and community members.
- Show your support by signing our petition and use our template to write to your local MP about this important issue.
- If you are a community organisation, endorse our campaign as a Supporter and join our network of partners.
- Ask your Council to join our Taskforce if they are not a member. If your Council is interested in more information, please contact Peter Johnstone, Coordinator Community Advocacy at peter.johnstone@cgd.vic.gov.au.
For more information, including on the Taskforce member Councils, visit backyourneighbour.com.au and stay up-to-date via our Facebook and Instagram channels.
Read about our priorities in the Taskforce's Terms of Reference - Revised December 2023.