Overreach for new powers must be rejected: Prohibited items bill

The Human Rights Law Centre made a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry about new laws that would allow the Morrison Government to stifle criticism of immigration detention, and cut off crucial support for the people detained. In a submission to the inquiry, the Human Rights Law Centre called for Parliament to reject the proposed laws.  

Across Australia, hundreds of refugees and people seeking asylum are being held indefinitely in crowded detention centres and converted hotels. Many were transferred to Australia from Nauru or Papua New Guinea for medical treatment. 

The Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2020 would give the Minister for Home Affairs sweeping, unchecked powers to ban almost any item in detention, including mobile phones. 

Read the Human Rights Law Centre’s submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry here.