Centre for Policy Development's Blog, page 49

Beyond the boats: building an asylum and refugee policy for the long term| LANDMARK REPORT

Report from a high level roundtable on asylum and refugee policy convened by CPD, Australia21 and the Andrew and Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law (UNSW)

Now that the acute phase of boat arrivals appears over, Beyond the boats urges all parties to use this opportunity to construct an overarching national asylum and refugee policy for the long term.

Key recommendations include increasing Australia’s humanitarian intake, phasing out mandatory detention apart from initial screening and establishing a regional Track II dialogue.

The nine-point framework presented focuses on managing arrivals, conditions and treatment, and regional and community engagement. To make an immediate and appreciable difference the report recommends expanding pathways for humanitarian settlement, such as through orderly departure arrangements, swift determination of claims and improved conditions including work rights. A regional Track II dialogue on forced migration is also proposed to help officials to look beyond electoral cycles.

The recommendations recognise the broad framework of existing refugee policy commands cross party support, but seeks to build on this to provide a more constructive and humane way forward that is consistent with Australian values.

Launch by the Hon Fred Chaney AO, Senior Australian of the Year, Parliament House, Canberra, 5 November (2pm)

Welcome and Introduction from event chair, Ms Arja Keski-Nummi PSM
Launch of Beyond the boats by the Hon Fred Chaney AO (Roundtable Participant), addressing the report and its recommendations
Mr Russell Broadbent MP (Parliamentary Host), commenting on the report and its recommendations
Associate Professor Munjed Al Muderis to offer personal reflections on asylum policy and the need for a new national conversation
Panel and authors will take questions from media and invited guests.

 

Cross-party support:

Liberal MP Russell Broadbent: “(this) report is a new opportunity” for a bipartisan approach to asylum policy”

Greens MP Adam Bandt: “It’s clear that we have the ideas to make Australian immigration policy something that we can be proud of. Now it’s time for all political leaders to have the courage to implement fair policies that treat asylum seekers and refugees with the respect and compassion that they deserve.”

Labor Senator Sam Dastyari: “The July Roundtable discussion was a bold and innovative effort to re-start a mature discussion on asylum seekers; a discussion that must respect the broad views of Australians and the deeply divisive nature of the debate in order to progress. Both sides of this divide are only too willing to express their anger and outrage, but few are prepared to step into the breach to look for reasonable policy solutions.” 

Speakers:

The Hon Fred Chaney AO

Fred Chaney was a lawyer and a politician from 1974 to 1993. He served in the Fraser Government including as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. His connection with refugee issues has been through his wife’s direct work with refugees in the community and he has been a sometime advocate for refugee interests. Mr Chaney was made Senior Australian of the Year in 2014 in recognition of his commitment to reconciliation and human rights. His hard work in support of often marginalised people has never faltered. Mr Chaney was founding co-chair of Reconciliation Australia, helped to establish the Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia, and was Deputy President of the National Native Title Tribunal for many years. His long history of public service is rooted in his fierce commitment to social justice and a belief in the inherent equality of people. In all his leadership roles, Mr Chaney inspires others to work collaboratively, respectfully and ambitiously to overcome the barriers that inhibit people’s full economic and social participation in Australian society.

Russell Broadbent MP

Russell Broadbent has been the Federal Member for McMillan since 2004. He previously held the seat of McMillan from 1996-1998 and was the Federal Member for Corinella from 1990-1993. Russell has lived in the McMillan electorate all of his life. He was born in Koo Wee Rup, and lives in Pakenham with his wife, Bronwyn. They have three adult children. Mr Broadbent has played a pivotal role in acquiring drought relief for farmers in Gippsland, securing the mobility payment for people with disabilities and giving assistance to small businesses in the region. Mr Broadbent has been a strong advocate for asylum seekers and refugees, which has included a call to remove all women and children from detention.

Associate Professor Munjed Al Muderis MB ChB FRACS, FAOrthA

Munjed Al Muderis is an orthopaedic surgeon. He is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the School of Medicine, Sydney Campus at the University of Notre Dame Australia and a clinical lecturer at Macquarie University and The Australian School Of Advanced Medicine. Prof. Al Muderis specialises in Hip, Knee and Trauma surgery. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Chairman of the Osseointegration Group of Australia. Prof. Al Muderis is a former refugee, who fled Iraq after refusing the orders of the Saddam Hussein regime to surgically remove the ears of soldiers who had escaped from the Iraqi army. He travelled to Australia on a wooden boat in 1999 and claimed asylum.

Ms Arja Keski-Nummi PSM

Arja Keski-Nummi had a career with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship spanning more than three decades, and was First Assistant Secretary of the Refugee, Humanitarian and International Division from 2007 – 2010. Her responsibilities included high level policy and reform of all aspects of Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program. Ms Keski-Nummi has played a key role in the development of Australia’s settlement and integration policies for humanitarian entrants as well as being involved in direct delivery of services to refugees and migrants. From 1987-1993 she worked in Senior Adviser positions to immigration ministers in the Hawke and Keating Governments, including to Mick Young and Gerry Hand. In 2010, Ms Keski-Nummi received the Public Service Medal for her work delivering Australia’s Humanitarian Program. Together her former colleague, Peter Hughes PSM, she co authored the discussion paper that informed the July 2014 roundtable.

Download ‘Beyond the boats’ report

Read about the high-level roundtable

Donate to CPD

 

DONATE to help CPD insert real evidence & expertise into Australian policy debates!

 

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The Conversation | 30 October 2014

Like eating fish? It’s time to start caring where it comes from

Carissa Klein, Postdoctoral research fellow in conservation biology at The University of Queensland, investigates sustainability in seafood, citing CPD’s recent study, Net advantage: securing our fisheries management.

The health of the world’s oceans and its fisheries are in decline, and this applies to one of Australia’s most precious icons, the Great Barrier Reef. Although there a range of actions required to reverse this decline, one simple thing that anyone can do is stop eating unsustainable seafood…

To be a true leader, Australians will need to make some serious modifications to the seafood market to ensure that it is more sustainable. As stated by the Centre for Policy Development’s recent report on fisheries management, “Australia could be a leader in sustainable seafood production”.

But first we have to care what’s on our plate.

Access the full article on theconversation.edu.au

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ABC Rural Radio: Queensland Country Hour | 8 October

CPD marine economy fellow interviewed on new CPD Report: Net advantage.

ABC Rural Radio journalist Harry Crawford interviewed Caroline Hoisington on the impact of marine protected areas (MPAs) in far North Queensland.

Over 35% of the Australian fisheries are classified as overfished, subject to overfishing or with uncertain stock levels. A recent study of Queensland‟s red throat emperor fishery showed that management targets can be both economically and environmentally optimal if combined with a no-take reserve. Furthermore, a 15-year study into a South African endemic seabream fishery found that the introduction of an MPA benefitted the adjacent fishery. While CPD’s interest in the report was ‘no take zones’, MPAs also have areas that allow recreational fishing and some commercial fishing. No take zones create spillover benefits, meaning bigger and higher quality catch in nearby areas. This can mean increased value of catch achieved for the same amount of effort (fuel, labour and time).

 

 

Short-term thinking cannot address Australia’s long-term dilemmas – Help us look further ahead!

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Net Advantage: securing our fisheries management | OCCASIONAL PAPER

Australian fishing’s competitive edge boosted by marine reserves

In Net advantage: securing our fisheries management , CPD researcher Michael Hayman argues Australian commercial fisheries can gain a global competitive edge by embracing the benefits of marine reserves.

 

On 11 September, Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt announced a Review into the Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network, which is to be based on the best scientific evidence and consultation with industry stakeholders. Net advantage responds by suggesting the economic, reputational and ecosystem benefits delivered by marine reserves offer commercial fishing a potential market advantage over competitors, and an ‘insurance policy’ against the threats of rising fuel costs, volatile prices and stock depletion.

The scientific consensus behind marine reserves is well established. The economic arguments against them have withered with the passage of time. In an increasingly complex economy, Net Advantage suggests sustainable fisheries stand to benefit from marine reserves as part of a comprehensive risk management strategy.

Net advantage illustrates how marine reserves can increase fishery margins in the short term and insure fish stocks over the long term. Fisheries and marine protection should not be constructed as two sides of a debate.

Net advantage shows the Commonwealth marine reserves do not adversely impact commercial fishing in Australia, with 50 of the 62 fisheries unaffected, short-term economic losses of less than three per cent of annual catch, and potential job losses below one per cent. The benefits are threefold:

Marine reserves offer long-term insurance against population crashes.


Spill-overs from marine reserves can increase fish stock populations in surrounding areas, improving the economics of commercial fisheries.


Marine reserves can make it easier for commercial fisheries to gain and maintain sustainability certification: this provides an opportunity for fisheries to access premium markets.

Net advantage recommends the Review ensures the design of ‘no-take’ zones with the Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network is informed by the latest science; that the Bioregional Advisory Panels seek common ground between stakeholders by focussing on the mutual benefits of marine reserves; and that sufficient funding is set aside for structural adjustment and ongoing management.

Getting this right is an opportunity we do not want to miss. Chopping and changing policy on marine protection will short-change all Australians, and deny future generations the chance to enjoy similar benefits from marine assets as their parents and grandparents.

Download the study, Net Advantage: securing our fisheries management by Michael Hayman

Download the Net advantage_media-release

 

Short-term thinking cannot address Australia’s long-term dilemmas – Help us look further ahead!

 

 

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ABC TV The Drum | 18 September 2014

Travers McLeod on The Drum panel

CPD Chief Executive Travers McLeod joined host Julia Baird, former NSW Liberal Leader Kerry Chikarovski and the Political Editor of The Advertiser, Tory Shepherd. In a wide ranging discussion on the news of the day, the panel discussed anti-terrorism raids, the treatment of women by the Islamic State, the ongoing status of Operation Sovereign Borders and the Scottish independence referendum.

Catch up on The Drum on iView

 

DONATE to help CPD insert real evidence & expertise into Australian policy debates!

 

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The Guardian | 2 September 2014

The Pacific Solution is reaching its endgame. Scott Morrison will soon run out of options.

If you missed it last week, Richard Ackland, in The Guardian, was seeking new approaches on asylum seeker policy. He turned to turned to the CPD’s joint roundtable with Australia21 and the Andrew & Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW, for some fresh approaches.

Both the Coalition and Labor have fed into the same well of distrust and resentment. But if we accept that the Pacific Solution is almost played out and turnbacks are something that Indonesia will not accept indefinitely, where to next for our asylum policy?

Last month there was a big roundtable conference in Canberra trying to develop proposals for a better way to handle this divisive issue. It was organised by the Andrew and Renata Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, the Centre for Policy Development and a non-partisan research organisation, Australia21.

The discussion took place around a document called “Beyond Operation Sovereign Borders: A long-Term Asylum Policy for Australia” prepared by two former senior people from the Immigration Department, Peter Hughes and Arja Keska-Nummi.

Participants included politicians, a former Indonesian ambassador to Australia, a strategist from Malaysia, lawyers, academics and former military people. A full report is coming later in the year.

Access Richard Ackland’s article on guardian.com

Read more about the asylum policy roundtable

 

Short-term thinking cannot address Australia’s long-term dilemmas – Help us look further ahead!

 

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Come fly with us | Opportunities at CPD

Exciting opportunities to add your voice and ideas to ours…

The Centre for Policy Development is a public interest think tank dedicated to seeking out creative, viable ideas and innovative research to inject into Australia’s policy debates. CPD’s staff is a small band of intelligent individuals, passionate about good ideas and committed to fostering the kind of rigorous research which yields robust evidence to inform sound policy decisions.

 

Positions Available
Policy Director

You will direct, grow and deliver the Effective Government Program and provide leadership across CPD’s other programs. You will conduct original research on key focus areas, write highquality reports, and coordinate collaborative research among CPD fellows, analysts and partners. This will involve authoring and coauthoring some papers, editing and arranging peer review, and liaising with CPD’s Research Committee on current and future projects. You will promote the results of CPD’s research through the media, at conferences, online and at other public forums. You will use your position to shift public debates and positively influence the direction of policy. You will maintain a constructive relationship with key stakeholders across the policy community and work to attract new Program funders and supporters. You will manage the resources, workflow and budget of the Program, reporting to the CEO, Board, stakeholders and supporters on research projects and outcomes. You will work with the CEO to identify, cost and resource new research projects, and work with other CPD staff and associates to develop and implement communication strategies.

Apply via EthicalJobs.com.au

Policy Analysts

You will provide research analysis across CPD’s Policy Programs, primarily within the Effective Government Program. You will have responsibility for coordinating some research projects and producing original research. You will liaise with Fellows, CPD’s Research Committee, other experts and stakeholders to deliver rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis and policy recommendations. You will be able to explain complex ideas and analysis in plain language. You will have a passion for policy development and cross-disciplinary research.

Apply via EthicalJobs.com.au

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Jobs Australia Conference 2014 | 27 August, Melbourne

At the Crossroads: The Future of Employment & Community Services.  

The program will offer CEOs, senior managers and board members the tools and strategies necessary to enable you to cope with change, make sound business decisions, and understand the nature of future financing arrangements.This year’s Jobs Australia National Conference will focus on the issues affecting the survival of community sector organisations which are facing the challenges of marketisation, competition and restructuring.

A diverse keynote and plenary program has been planned to invigorate and inspire not-for-profit leaders to consider how best to implement their mission of helping Australia’s most disadvantaged people to achieve their potential. Practical and interactive workshops will follow plenary sessions.

Travers McLeod will join a panel moderated by broadcaster Adam Spencer, with John Falzon of St Vincent de Paul and Sonia Martin from RMIT, discussing ‘The future of welfare’.

Where

Grand Hyatt, Melbourne – 123 Collins Street, Melbourne

When

9am Wednesday, 27 August – 4pm Thursday, 28 August

Who should attend?

Decision makers at all levels in all community organisations impacted by government policy and funding changes will benefit from the Conference.

The program will offer CEOs, senior managers and board members the tools and strategies necessary to enable you to cope with change, make sound business decisions, and understand the nature of future financing arrangements.

More information

Visit the conference website

Conference Program now available

 

Short-term thinking cannot address Australia’s long-term dilemmas – Help us look further ahead!

 

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CPD welcomes new Board Director Martin Stewart-Weeks

Public/private sector expert Martin Stewart-Weeks joins CPD Board.
A strategic thinker, organisational consultant, facilitator and writer whose work explores the intersection of policy, government, technology and innovation.

From 2001-13, Martin led the Asia-Pacific public sector team in the consulting and innovation arm for the ‘worldwide leader in networking for the Internet’ Cisco Systems, working on policy and reform projects in government, education, human services and urbanisation in India, China, South-East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Prior to this role, he held various policy and management roles in the public sector, including Chief of Staff to a Minister in the Federal Government and with the NSW Cabinet. He also ran a successful policy, research and organisational consulting practice, The Albany Consulting Group, working with public and nonprofit organisations.

Martin writes and speaks extensively on government, service design and policy reform.  He recently published Changing Shape: Institutions for a Digital Age, co-authored with former Finance Minister, Lindsay Tanner. Martin established the Australian Social Innovation Exchange (ASIX) as part of a global network of social innovators, and is also part of the team developing a new venture, The Able Movement, to build a social movement to shift attitudes, beliefs and behaviour in Australia towards disability and disability reform.

He holds undergraduate and masters degrees in English from the University of York and Social Science and Policy from the University of New South Wales as well as graduate qualifications in applied economics from what is now the University of Canberra.

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Australian Options | No. 77, winter 2014

Australian Options Magazine : articles exploring social and environmental ethics in contemporary politics by CPD fellows

 

Ben Spies-Butcher: ‘Debt and discipline from cradle to grave’

It is hard (sic) to underestimate the scale of the transformation being attempted by this budget. It is true that it continues trends begun earlier, and that many changes face substantial opposition in the Senate. It may be that this is an ambit claim. However, if it is to be implemented it will fundamentally reshape the social contract, and even if it fails, it will signal an ongoing struggle.

 

Sustainable Energy Solutions for Climate Change by Mark Diesendorf, reviewed by David McKnight

Diesendorf’s motive for writing the book is to respond to a concerted campaign run by oil and coal corporations that argues that fossil fuels are indispensable to world energy needs and that renewable energy is an impractical dream. But Diesendorf argues that what he calls the Great Transition to sustainable energy is affordable and technologically possible. The main barriers to this transition are not economic but rather political and cultural beliefs based on the ideology of endless growth and the consumer society.

 

http://www.australian-options.org.au/

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