Chris Bowens speech at MIA conference

[Guest Gollywobbler]

Anyone reckons "Perspective Holder" changed name to "Happy to wait"?

 

Hope that idiot gets capped and ceased with no refund. If Chris Bowen promises to use the C&C Bill only on those clowns I'll be the first to support the bill.

 

Hi User Name

 

I couldn't agree with you more. I reckon that Creeping Jesus would be more appropriate user name for Happy to Wait. Is Mr Bowen really so dim that he is only capable of dealing with one issue at a time?

 

Cheers

 

Gill

[Guest Varlet]

Offshore applicant - Feb 2008 (October 10 2010, 6:21 PM)

I just have 1 thing to say, Last week there was a publication on DIAC's site "Be aware and protect yourself from migration fraud ". Honestly i did not even bother reading the contents, but the title just amused me. DIAC and the ministry who have set the rules back in 2008, and clearly stated that the rules on the date of the application are the ones which will count when the application will be processed, just decided not to process at all thousands of applicants from ~2008 in order not to break the rules, thus just treating us thousands of people with no respect, telling us "we have no idea what to do with you and we are probably not going to respect our 'agreement' ". the fact that you had a backlog of 1.5 years should not be solely paid only by the applicants, DIAC and the ministry should be clear, true, and transparent. we feel as being scammed by DIAC itself. Oh, and in the future, if you are half honest, take the full application fee only when(if) a Case office is assigned and not before that. so at least the money, if not the mind will not stay captivated in DIAC's hands.

[Guest newguy2010]

Offshore applicant - Feb 2008 (October 10 2010, 6:21 PM)

I just have 1 thing to say, Last week there was a publication on DIAC's site "Be aware and protect yourself from migration fraud ". Honestly i did not even bother reading the contents, but the title just amused me. DIAC and the ministry who have set the rules back in 2008, and clearly stated that the rules on the date of the application are the ones which will count when the application will be processed, just decided not to process at all thousands of applicants from ~2008 in order not to break the rules, thus just treating us thousands of people with no respect, telling us "we have no idea what to do with you and we are probably not going to respect our 'agreement' ". the fact that you had a backlog of 1.5 years should not be solely paid only by the applicants, DIAC and the ministry should be clear, true, and transparent. we feel as being scammed by DIAC itself. Oh, and in the future, if you are half honest, take the full application fee only when(if) a Case office is assigned and not before that. so at least the money, if not the mind will not stay captivated in DIAC's hands.

 

You are right, the whole immigration scheme in Australia is a fraud. An American green card costs only about 1000 usd whereas in Australia the price of everything is double and you keep paying for it.

[Guest Gollywobbler]

Offshore applicant - Feb 2008 (October 10 2010, 6:21 PM)

I just have 1 thing to say, Last week there was a publication on DIAC's site "Be aware and protect yourself from migration fraud ". Honestly i did not even bother reading the contents, but the title just amused me. DIAC and the ministry who have set the rules back in 2008, and clearly stated that the rules on the date of the application are the ones which will count when the application will be processed, just decided not to process at all thousands of applicants from ~2008 in order not to break the rules, thus just treating us thousands of people with no respect, telling us "we have no idea what to do with you and we are probably not going to respect our 'agreement' ". the fact that you had a backlog of 1.5 years should not be solely paid only by the applicants, DIAC and the ministry should be clear, true, and transparent. we feel as being scammed by DIAC itself. Oh, and in the future, if you are half honest, take the full application fee only when(if) a Case office is assigned and not before that. so at least the money, if not the mind will not stay captivated in DIAC's hands.

 

Hi Varlet

 

It is worse than you think. DIAC grab all of the money on Day One and they spend all of it on Day Two, paying for the astronomical costs of running Christmas Island plus paying salaries to all of the Fat Cats, I gather.

 

DIAC in London solemnly insisted to me that as soon as they receive a visa application, they start to "process" it, so I was informed. I sat there and thought, "I guess that if you stretch the point to the hilt, shoving a visa application into a queue might be called "processing it." Dusting it occasionally might be called "processing" it as well, but otherwise I think that this assertion of yours probably equates to pulling the other one and hoping that the other one might have bells on it, DIAC dear. I am not that flamin' gormless even though you evidently imagine that I might be."

 

When I read their latest rubbish about Migration Fraud, I thought, "Well, the worst culprits for Migration Fraud are actually you lot and your Minister yourselves, but I imagine that it is all about trying to shift all the blame onto somebody else?"

 

Cheers

 

Gill

[Guest abeersalik]

Anyone reckons "Perspective Holder" changed name to "Happy to wait"?

 

Hope that idiot gets capped and ceased with no refund. If Chris Bowen promises to use the C&C Bill only on those clowns I'll be the first to support the bill.

 

 

or may be his real name is "Mr. Chris Bowen"...

[Guest dragsterwish]

Hi Dragsterwish

 

Apparently the Gillard Government reckons that the Rudd Government's failure to prevent "iregular maritime arrivals" almost cost Joolya the recent General Election. Bowen seems to have been told to sort this issue out as his first and only priority for the time being.

 

Joolya seems to have set her heart on a solution involving East Timor. I vaguely understood that Rudd was supposed to be organising the hoped-for East Timor solution but it seems from Bowen's speech that Bowen is off for an international, all expenses paid junket next week. Maybe the pollies and their extensive entourages are planning a mob-handed visit to the countries mentioned by Bowen?

 

Cheers

 

Gill

 

Thanks Gill. Its quite clear that the asylum issue is very pressing. The government do really have to sort this out asap as there are new boat arrival so often these few weeks.

 

But just hope that they don't neglect the release of the SMP which has already been formulated so long ago.

[musmanasghar]

Anyone reckons "Perspective Holder" changed name to "Happy to wait"?

 

Hope that idiot gets capped and ceased with no refund. If Chris Bowen promises to use the C&C Bill only on those clowns I'll be the first to support the bill.

 

I think "Happy to Wait" is one of the Asylum seeker and the Anchor of his boat is stuck in his back ... no wonder he supports quick processing of BOAT PEOPLE, just to get rid of that pain ..... I dont know why people like him were born .... there are 31 comments on Ministers Web, out of these 31, 29 were asking for justice and 2 Idiots are trying to sail through boats ....

[matjones]

I think "Happy to Wait" is one of the Asylum seeker and the Anchor of his boat is stuck in his back ... no wonder he supports quick processing of BOAT PEOPLE, just to get rid of that pain ..... I dont know why people like him were born .... there are 31 comments on Ministers Web, out of these 31, 29 were asking for justice and 2 Idiots are trying to sail through boats ....

 

Wow.... I can't believe the nerve of people I have seen posting here, and on the Ministers website, attacking a person for his belief that refugees who have endured significant hardship in life should be given priority over his own processing. It seems to me that he is a person with a heart, who believes in doing the right thing. Yes, I too am frustrated at the moving goal posts of the AU visa process, but this has absolutely nothing to do with Asylum Seekers/Refugees. To blame them shows that you are falling for the same media bullsh!t that the rest of Australia also fall for.

 

Australia is a signatory to the Geneva Convention and by doing so, has a responsibility to provide assitance to those in need. Yes, there may be some boat people who may be rorting the system, but frankly there are plenty of people rorting the Skilled Visa system also. Helping refugees is a global responsibility. As fellow humans, we shouldn't begrudge helping those in need.

 

Refugees are NOT stealing your places in Australia, it is a completely different quota, and even if they were stealing places, they have a right to be protected, and more of a right to a place in Australia than us.

 

I read some comments, complaining that asylum seekers don't deserve places because they are not 'skilled workers' and do not contribute to society. What complete nonsense. Just because you are highly skilled, and may earn lots more money, it doesn't change the fact that they are in the country for an entirely different reason. They are refugees!! Not ALL immigrants need to be highly skilled.

 

It really frustrates me that people continue to be ignorant and blame asylum seekers because their visa is taking twice as long to be processed. "Happy to Wait" is absolutely correct in calling those people entitled and selfish. I am angry and frustrated at DIAC, but would never blame the asylum seekers themselves.

 

I'd like to end by posting the following story, and then ask you people who are complaining to reflect on your position, and let me know if you think you are more in need, or deserving, of a place in Australia than this person:

 

For twenty six year old Simon Deng, the journey from his village in Sudan to his new home in Woodville, South Australia has been a long and arduous one. Simon’s gentle eyes and lilting voice give no hint of the horrors he has witnessed since leaving his village in Sudan in 1990.

 

 

Simon’s journey began when he was twelve years old, not long after the military junta took power in Sudan in a bloodless coup in1989. From 1989, real power in Sudan rested with the then Governor of Darfur, an Islamic hardliner. This man promoted the policy of ethnic cleansing including the murder of non-Muslim men and the rape of non-Muslim women as well as forced conversion to Islam. Simon, a Christian was encouraged by his mother to escape after his village was bombed in 1990. With a large group of people consisting mainly of young men, Simon walked a distance of approximately 600 km along the River Nile from his village in Sudan to the border with Uganda. He finally arrived in Kenya in 1993. He says that the group survived the long and dangerous trip by eating wild fruit and leaves and occasionally hunting for wild animals. Many in the group did not survive the journey as they became weak and tired and were killed by soldiers from the National Islamic Front. Some were killed by wild animals and others died as a result of hunger and thirst or diseases such as malaria, cholera, typhoid and dysentery. Simon says it was a question of survival of the fittest. He attributes his survival to his faith in God.

 

 

Simon forms part of the five per cent of the population in Sudan who are Christians. Seventy per cent of the population in Sudan is Muslim. Islamic law (Sharia) was introduced in Sudan in 1983 by then President Jaafer Mohammed al-Numeiry. Theft, adultery, murder and related offences are judged according to the Koran and alcohol and gambling are prohibited. The majority of Muslims live in the north of the country whilst the Christians live mainly in the south.

 

 

After finally arriving in Kenya, Simon spent ten years living in a refugee camp which was set up by the UNHCR. He recalls that the locals were very hostile towards the refugees and would often attack the camp at night and kill refugees. Fortunately, he had the opportunity of attending school and continuing his education whilst living in Kenya. During this period, he was devastated to learn that both his mother and brother had been killed in Sudan by the National Islamic Front.

 

 

Simon applied for asylum in Australia in 2002 after learning that one of his cousins had come here to live. He arrived in Australia in May 2004. He now lives in a sparsely furnished house at Woodville with three of his cousins.

 

 

Simon has managed to obtain employment at a chicken factory in Wingfield. Many of his fellow workers at the factory are also Sudanese. His working day begins at 2am and finishes at 11am. As he does not own a car, he relies on his cousin to drive him to work or he uses taxis. Whilst he is grateful to have found employment, he says that it is difficult work and physically taxing. He would like to find a job with more conventional hours which would allow him to study nursing.

 

 

When asked about his impressions of Australia, he described it as a good country with friendly people. One of the things which shocked him when he first arrived was the public expression of affection between males and females. He says he misses many things about Sudan particularly the sense of community. He finds it very difficult to socialise with people here as he finds that everybody is busy. Fortunately, the Sudanese community in Adelaide is close-knit and supportive.

 

 

At twenty six, Simon has spent more than half of his life as a refugee either fleeing violence or living in refugee camps. He has witnessed atrocities that have no doubt scarred him for life. Nevertheless, he is enthusiastic about life in his new country and keen to integrate. Like many refugees, he is testament to the strength of the human spirit.

 

[User Name]

Wow.... I can't believe the nerve of people I have seen posting here, and on the Ministers website, attacking a person for his belief that refugees who have endured significant hardship in life should be given priority over his own processing. It seems to me that he is a person with a heart, who believes in doing the right thing. Yes, I too am frustrated at the moving goal posts of the AU visa process, but this has absolutely nothing to do with Asylum Seekers/Refugees. To blame them shows that you are falling for the same media bullsh!t that the rest of Australia also fall for.

 

Nerve? Well it was "perspective Holder" who had the nerve to attack us first citing boat people have more right than us who migrate via GSM by saying:

 

The RIGHTS of a refugee should always come before the WANTS of a skilled visa seeker

 

So who attacked first?

 

I am not denying the right of refugees as long as one of theirs doesn't attack mine. And not all get persecuted - lot of them are economic refugees who wont have a chance via GSM. So they take the hard way. Trust me its something naive westerners don't easily understand.

 

Problem is GSM migrants are attacked from both right wing conservatives who think the "Country is full" and from naive lefties who think refugees have more rights over migrants.

[matjones]

Nerve? Well it was "perspective Holder" who had the nerve to attack us first citing boat people have more right than us who migrate via GSM by saying:

 

The RIGHTS of a refugee should always come before the WANTS of a skilled visa seeker

 

So who attacked first?

 

 

 

Wow... you call that an attack? Unbelievable. It's a statement. If that offends you, you must have a very weak stomach.

 

I am not denying the right of refugees as long as one of theirs doesn't attack mine. And not all get persecuted - lot of them are economic refugees who wont have a chance via GSM. So they take the hard way. Trust me its something naive westerners don't easily understand.

 

But you are tarring all people with the same brush. Just because you don't believe that they have a legitimate cause. And please explain to me in what way their cause has affected you. It in no way infringes upon your case. It's not your place to judge and belittle their reasons for entering Australia, just as it's not their place to judge how 'skilled' you are and whether you deserve a place in the GSM.

 

Problem is GSM migrants are attacked from both right wing conservatives who think the "Country is full" and from naive lefties who think refugees have more rights over migrants.

 

Either way, it is for the Australian public to decide the destiny of their country. If the right wing conservatives want to stop GSM, then they have every right to do so. They can do this by voting for the party of their choice and preferred policies.

 

As GSM applicants we have absolutely no say in the way Australia run their country. This makes our goal to move to Australia a WANT and not a RIGHT! We are lucky that they even have a GSM program. The UN convention that AU signed gives refugees a right to have their case heard and processed.

 

I just feel lucky that I had the opportunity to apply, and think people jump to quickly to blame others when things don't go their way.

[Guest zzzsianzzz]

have you wondered why Australia has to approach other countries? why refugees keep coming here and why people are committing suicide or sitting on the roof or on strike? its because DIAC gave them a lit of hope like what they have promised us, but has failed to deliver as always, doesn't matter whether its federal or state governments. they are facing problems dealing with all the processing.

 

you have to see the problem with DIAC is they cant manage their manpower efficiently enough to even do application processings. And the minister wants to add additional workload onto the staff for refugees? Are you certain that they didnt allocate at least 1 person from processing centres over to detention centres? how long do you think the refugees chapter will come to a close?

 

nobody said that skilled migrants are entitled more rights of gaining a visa, think about merits and how australia survived till now, with its job rates and growth. you reckon its mainly from humanitarian efforts?

 

And they used one day to address humanitarians and refugee rights in the MIA migration conference, if they don't stand the majority of Australia migrants, is it worth one day to discuss that? what are they classified as technically? migrants right? so where does this figures goes to? Humanitarian/refugees visas under their favourite term, NEC or others? they will have statistics of how many people have been issued protection visas, that is for sure.

[User Name]

Wow... you call that an attack? Unbelievable. It's a statement. If that offends you, you must have a very weak stomach.

 

Oh well I guess the anti-asylum seekers were simply making a statement too. What makes you think they were attacking or needed "nerve". Jeez you don't have much of a stomach either! I guess in a world with never ending conflicts, 1 holocaust, countless genocides and 2 world wars, Australia's refugee problem should be like a drop from the ocean don't you reckon?

 

 

But you are tarring all people with the same brush. Just because you don't believe that they have a legitimate cause. And please explain to me in what way their cause has affected you. It in no way infringes upon your case. It's not your place to judge and belittle their reasons for entering Australia, just as it's not their place to judge how 'skilled' you are and whether you deserve a place in the GSM.

 

Once again their cause don't affect me. What affects me is some big mouth who is completely oblivious to my situation (and fellow applicant's) to come and rub salt in the wound.

 

That person "Perspective Holder" didn't post to get Ministers' attention to Refugees, he/she came for the sole purpose to rub salt in the wound of those who are stuck in visa limbo.

 

As GSM applicants we have absolutely no say in the way Australia run their country. This makes our goal to move to Australia a WANT and not a RIGHT! We are lucky that they even have a GSM program. The UN convention that AU signed gives refugees a right to have their case heard and processed.

As a person who paid DIAC and did everything by the book, I have the right to have my visa processed. And no Conventions out there tampers that right.

 

And why are you telling about Geneva Convention? Like I said, I don't deny genuine refugees right (not economic migrants).

 

I just feel lucky that I had the opportunity to apply, and think people jump to quickly to blame others when things don't go their way.

Yeah, you mean lucky to lent $2525 interest fee? Anyway your money you can feel free to give it to who you like in the way you please, but for rest of us, we have the right to have our visa processed in due time frame.

[musmanasghar]

Wow.... I can't believe the nerve of people I have seen posting here, and on the Ministers website, attacking a person for his belief that refugees who have endured significant hardship in life should be given priority over his own processing. It seems to me that he is a person with a heart, who believes in doing the right thing. Yes, I too am frustrated at the moving goal posts of the AU visa process, but this has absolutely nothing to do with Asylum Seekers/Refugees. To blame them shows that you are falling for the same media bullsh!t that the rest of Australia also fall for.

 

Australia is a signatory to the Geneva Convention and by doing so, has a responsibility to provide assitance to those in need. Yes, there may be some boat people who may be rorting the system, but frankly there are plenty of people rorting the Skilled Visa system also. Helping refugees is a global responsibility. As fellow humans, we shouldn't begrudge helping those in need.

 

Refugees are NOT stealing your places in Australia, it is a completely different quota, and even if they were stealing places, they have a right to be protected, and more of a right to a place in Australia than us.

 

I read some comments, complaining that asylum seekers don't deserve places because they are not 'skilled workers' and do not contribute to society. What complete nonsense. Just because you are highly skilled, and may earn lots more money, it doesn't change the fact that they are in the country for an entirely different reason. They are refugees!! Not ALL immigrants need to be highly skilled.

 

It really frustrates me that people continue to be ignorant and blame asylum seekers because their visa is taking twice as long to be processed. "Happy to Wait" is absolutely correct in calling those people entitled and selfish. I am angry and frustrated at DIAC, but would never blame the asylum seekers themselves.

 

I'd like to end by posting the following story, and then ask you people who are complaining to reflect on your position, and let me know if you think you are more in need, or deserving, of a place in Australia than this person:

 

Dear matjones

Thanks for your comment and i see you have BIG HEART .. Please withdraw your application for one more ASYLUM SEEKER ... it will really help

[kuching]

Dear mtjones

Thanks for your comment and i see you have BIG HEART .. Please withdraw your application for one more ASYLUM SEEKER ... it will really help

 

I feel that you propose the right move.

[matjones]

Once again their cause don't affect me. What affects me is some big mouth who is completely oblivious to my situation (and fellow applicant's) to come and rub salt in the wound.

 

If you go back to the comments section of the article, you will see that his comment was actually one of the only pertinent ones, congratulating the minister on getting his priorities right. The general gist of Bowens keynote speech was to highlight the dilemas of being the new minister with regards to the Asylum Seeker Debate. The comments section of the site should have been for thoughtful comments and discussion of these issues. Unfortunately, the first 5 people hijacked the comments to push their own agenda and complain about their PR visa's.

 

Looking back at his post however, I can see that he seems to equate the priority for refugees with the slowdown for PR visa. As I said previously, I think Asylum and PR applications are completely different streams, and do not interfere with the processing times of the other significantly. Hence, no reason to start blaming the other side and spewing vitriol.

 

As a person who paid DIAC and did everything by the book, I have the right to have my visa processed. And no Conventions out there tampers that right.

 

I agree completely, we filed our applications and they should be processed. I'm not saying we should not get our visas, a balanced migration program is essential for the growth of the AU economy. Even DIAC realize that. No conventions should tamper with that right, and I don't think they do, which is why i get mad and confused when the Asylum debate is raised with regards to our PR application.

 

And why are you telling about Geneva Convention? Like I said, I don't deny genuine refugees right (not economic migrants).

 

Well, it's not for you to judge who is 'genuine'. That is the purpose of the Detention centers. To give them time to figure out who is legitimate or not. One would assume those who make it into AU have been vetted and deemed in need.

 

Yeah, you mean lucky to lent $2525 interest fee? Anyway your money you can feel free to give it to who you like in the way you please, but for rest of us, we have the right to have our visa processed in due time frame.

 

Again, yes, I am upset too that it is taking much longer than anticipated. My life has been on hold for too long for my liking. My original post was to comment about the misdirected anger. We should be upset at DIAC, not refugees.

[matjones]

Dear matjones

Thanks for your comment and i see you have BIG HEART .. Please withdraw your application for one more ASYLUM SEEKER ... it will really help

 

As I have said before, Asylum seekers are not stealing our places, or causing the delays in our processing.

[musmanasghar]

As I have said before, Asylum seekers are not stealing our places, or causing the delays in our processing.

 

No one is stealing our places my friend. None of us will object if they will get twice allocation as compared to GSM. Only issue is we need attention too.

If New Immigration minister will only focus on Asylum seekers then who will help us?

IMO just hope for positive outcomes .....

 

Peace

[Guest zzzsianzzz]

i think its a unworthy debate as the immigration minister chose to deal with political issues than internal issues. Honestly speaking, the issues are not meant to be targeted against refugees and their visas, the frustration is targeted at the minister's attention and decision of speech at the MIA conference where most migration agents and migrants are looking for an answer regarding this visa limbo that was created by his predecessor and he chose to speak about refugees which most people in Australia knows, does not form the majority of migrants! And personally, I don't think he knows how to solve the refugees issues based on his agenda.

[Guest Jamie Smith]

The Pareto Principle rules.

 

Refugees @ <20% of numbers are taking 80% of the Minister's time and effort.

 

Mainstream applicants who add to the economy @ >80% of applications are getting less than 20% of attention.

 

Inside those mainstream cases are +/- 20% of hairdressers and cooks, who by dint of numbers cause new issues to be addressed and they take 80% of the remaining 20% of the Minister's time.

 

Ergo mainstream applicants who are not cooks and hairdressers are getting 20% of 20% or 4% of the attention.....:SLEEP:

[Guest Gollywobbler]

The Pareto Principle rules.

 

Refugees @ <20% of numbers are taking 80% of the Minister's time and effort.

 

Mainstream applicants who add to the economy @ >80% of applications are getting less than 20% of attention.

 

Inside those mainstream cases are +/- 20% of hairdressers and cooks, who by dint of numbers cause new issues to be addressed and they take 80% of the remaining 20% of the Minister's time.

 

Ergo mainstream applicants who are not cooks and hairdressers are getting 20% of 20% or 4% of the attention.....:SLEEP:

 

Hi Jamie

 

Very well said. You have hit this mail on the head.

 

Cheers

 

Gill

[Guest Jamie Smith]

Hi Jamie

 

Very well said. You have hit this mail on the head.

 

Cheers

 

Gill

 

There's another "male" I'd rather hit on the head....

[musmanasghar]

There's another "male" I'd rather hit on the head....

 

If theres any FEMALE then please tell me .. i will try to convince her lovingly .. really i am not Angry Young man ... :biglaugh:

[Guest Midlanders]

Hi there, Libby's Mum

 

Thanks very much for posting the link above.

 

I've left a comment on Bowen's website and I hope that everyone else will do likewise.

 

Cheers

 

Gill

 

I second Gill actions ......and also left a blog too. Just hope the Mr all powerful reads them. One can only wish or dream......:arghh:

[Guest Alejandro]

The sole aim of most politicians is to further their career while having their backs covered. Majority would not risk their own career for the sake of so-called fairness to others if they can't see any return and if the system allows it.:evilface_frowning_s

 

Bottom line is that no major change in processing or future plans should be expected(in my opinion ofcourse:army-err:). If any changes were to be made, it would've occured even if the previous minister was in office. It's useless to expect the new minister to be any different

 

Reasons that may cause any immigration changes at all could most logically be:

 

1. Media Pressure

2. Immigration needs

3. Tourism Industry Pressure

4. Education Industry Pressure

 

On a personal level, those who seek advice from a well reputed immigration lawyer could benefit in their efforts to gain permanent residence. (Relevent to mostly onshore applicants but offshore applicants could find professional legal advice comforting as well)

[Guest Global Girl]

On a personal level, those who seek advice from a well reputed immigration lawyer could benefit in their efforts to gain permanent residence. (Relevent to mostly onshore applicants but offshore applicants could find professional legal advice comforting as well)

 

Sorry to thick but why?:confused:

Or should I say how would it be comforting?