Dear friend,

Next Tuesday is a pivotal moment in the refugee debate in Australia - when Parliament debates legislation that could open the way for offshore processing of asylum seekers.

Polls show that the majority of Australians support onshore processing - yet politicians continue to posture over costly and inhumane offshore ‘solutions’ like Malaysia and Nauru. The highest court in the land has already upheld the rights of refugees in a landmark decision [1] - now it’s time for our politicians to do the same.

Tell the government that you don't want offshore processing, and the head of Amnesty International will hand-deliver your petition to Immigration Minister Chris Bowen next Tuesday.

Eventually, our leaders will have no choice but to realise the tide is turning. The latest Nielsen poll reveals the majority of Australians - regardless of whether they vote Labor, Coalition or Greens - now support onshore processing [2].

Our politicians may be confused, but Amnesty International supporters know exactly where we stand. We want to ensure these amendments to allow offshore processing are voted down, and we want to see refugees processed humanely, cheaply and efficiently on the Australian mainland.

Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International, is meeting with the Immigration Minister Chris Bowen, where he will hand deliver this petition. Be there with him in the room: every last name counts.

In hope for more humane treatment of refugees,

Alex Pagliaro
Refugee campaign co-ordinator
Amnesty International Australia

[1] High Court scuttles Malaysia swap deal, ABC News, 6 September 2011

[2] Voters say no to offshore process, The Age, 12 September 2011