The new Labor government could use its strength in parliament to initiate a principled and evidence-based reset. This could include:
creating a new emergency visa for humanitarian crises to assist people fleeing conflict
improving the efficiency and fairness of the asylum seeker process
ending offshore processing of refugees
streamlining the family reunification process
making immigration detention an option that could be used at the discretion of the Department of Home Affairs, instead of being mandatory
giving people access to independent review of their detention
improving systems for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers (many of whom face heightened risks, are not always believed about their sexuality, and lack culturally sensitive support).
………………………..It’s also worth noting current policy prohibits asylum seekers registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Indonesia after June 2014 from being resettled to Australia.
The new government could also consider lifting this arbitrary restriction to give these vulnerable refugees access to durable solutions.