A strong case is emerging for Australia to do more to support decent Iranians who want to stay and contribute. This should be a holistic package which covers Iranian refugees who have been in limbo in Australia for up to 13 years, as well as those who either recently arrived or had planned to. Like the Abbott and Morrison decisions in 2015 and 2022, this support should be in addition to the standard humanitarian intake, and not come from within it.
The Herald urges the government and others in the debate to not confuse this issue with the broader tensions around Australia’s immigration levels.