Refugee Action Coalition
MEDIA RELEASE (01 March 2021)
Twenty-three Medevac refugees who have been held in the Kangaroo Point hotel for up to two years are being released on bridging visas this morning, Monday 1 March. It is understood that another two Medevac refugees will be released from BITA, making a total of 25 being released today.
Those from Kangaroo Point are being taken by bus to BITA detention centre where they will be processed and released. It is understood that they will be initially provided with three weeks accommodation after their release.
The releases are the first since 63 were released in December and January. It is expected that up to 70 others will be released over the next two days.
But the more than 70 will still remain in detention centres and hotel-prisons across Australia’s detention regime are still in the dark about when they will be released.
“There is no distinction between the refugees who are released and those still in detention; the government’s lack of transparency and chaotic release of Medevac refugees is causing increased anxiety and stress among those left behind. Eight years of detention and human rights abuse is too long. They should all be released immediately,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“The refugees are effectively being resettled in the community, yet the government is dumping them on bridging visas and will not provide the support they need to survive and thrive in the community. They can’t be sent home, or back to offshore detention, yet they are left with an uncertain future.”
There will be a peak-hour protest this afternoon, 5-6pm at the Kangaroo Point hotel, to call for the release of all those being held in detention.
A rally will be held at Kangaroo Point hotel, Main Street, Friday 5 March, 5pm.
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713