15 myths and facts about refugees

Muslims are not typically "fanatical". They live according to many different interpretations of their faith, which has, historically, had easily as much, or more, concern with justice, tolerance and humane conduct as Western religious and philosophical traditions.

Afghan people, as it happens, have had a presence in Australia for over a century, and played an important role in the opening up of trade routes through some of the country’s most inhospitable areas.

11. It is not safe to let asylum seekers into the community

Many fear that if asylum seekers are allowed to stay in the community they will commit crimes, spread disease and disappear from view without being cleared by the authorities.

Those concerns are expressed around the world, however Australia is the only Western country that mandatorily detains asylum seekers while their claims are being heard.

Article 31 of the UN Refugee Convention, entitled Refugees unlawfully in the country of refuge, specifies that states contracting to the Refugee Convention "shall not impose penalties, on account of their illegal entry or presence, on refugees who, coming directly from a territory where their life or freedom was threatened … enter or are present on their territory without authorisation. . . "

Countries that do not have mandatory detention have not seen crime waves, the spread of disease or other social problems, indeed in some countries the rules are becoming more humane.

12. Australia is a "soft touch" because of its "generosity" to refugees

Life in Australia for many refugees is hard even after their status has been officially endorsed.

People arriving without authorisation, who are detained and subsequently found to be refugees, are given a Temporary Protection Visa (TPV). That entitles them to very limited support, and the right to apply for permanent residency after 30 months.

They are ineligible for all federally funded employment programs, English language tuition and for the settlement services provided to offshore entrants, such as assistance with orientation, accommodation etc.

People who arrive in Australia with a valid visa and apply for asylum are refugee claimants.

If refugee claimants lodge an application for protection more than 45 days after arriving they are ineligible for Medicare or social security, or to work. Their children are not allowed to attend school. The same conditions apply once their applications enter the review stage.

13. Refugee detention centres are like holiday camps

During 2000–2001, 8401 people were held in six immigration detention facilities in Australia, the largest number (1288) in Woomera, a remote region of South Australia.