Inquiry into the Deportation Bill

RACS is grateful that the Bill is the subject of Parliamentary scrutiny by way of this inquiry, given the very significant implications the Bill has for individual rights and liberties as well as Australia’s national interest and international reputation.

RACS is concerned that rushing such radical and problematic legislation without adequate scrutiny or consultation with the communities it will impact is at odds with open and transparent government and could lead to serious implications for human rights as well as unintended drafting consequences. RACS particularly calls for closer consultation with people with lived experience on all laws that impact the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum.

RACS considers that the Bill, which seeks to deport potentially unlimited groups of people and bans others from entering Australia, does little to meaningfully address indefinite detention or better manage the migration system, and instead proposes sweeping and illdefined powers be vested in the Minister. RACS considers that no amendments would appropriately alleviate our concerns with the Bill, and we recommend that the Bill not be passed in its entirety.