Positive migration policy needed

I would like to bring to your attention the recent formation of our Australian lobby group, Australian Pacific Amnesty Council (APAC). This group has been formed as a result of growing concerns among migrants from the Pacific islands about the lack of positive migration policy and programs from current and past Australian Federal governments.

Our Council has sent written submissions to the Hon Minister of Immigration and multicultural Affairs, Philip Ruddock, we have also sent along representatives in several community consultations conducted by his Department. As well as this, we have also organised petitions, and we are currently awaiting a scheduled private meeting with the Hon Minister Philip Ruddock in person on the 17th April 2000.

APAC has also made contact with the Shadow Minister of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Hon Con Sciacca, and he has assured our Council that our position will be considered when settlement issues and policies are discussed within the Labor Party Caucus.

We had also made contact with Independent MP Brian Harradine, as well as other prominent members of parliament.

We hope to receive support from other Pacific island groups. The Council has the

following members:

1. Rev. Pensimani Folaumoetu’i, Leader of the Tongan Catholic Chaplain in Australia 2. Mr. ‘Ofeina Sikahele (B.Com), Immigration law specialist 3. Mr. Fetu’u Tupou, Editor of the Tongan Herald, and founder of TV Tonga 4. Mr. Salesi Finau, representative of the

Weslyan Church and current Steward of Auburn parish 5. Mafi-to-ki-felenite, Tongan Radio announcer 6. Mr. Kelemani Taumoepeau (LLB), solicitor 7. Mr. Pounima Lasalo, social worker and interpreter It would be appreciated if the existence of our council is made known to the wider pacific community, and we hope that from this, we are able to built a stronger Council with representatives from other pacific island groups. For those who are genuinely interested and who want to assist or join our Council, please contact ‘Ofeina Sikahele on (02) 9279 1991 during working hours, or 0413 639 286 after hours. We’d love to hear from you.

Australian Pacific Amnesty Council (APAC), Sydney, Australia