The Federal Budget announcement of 16,500 additional humanitarian visas for people from Afghanistan, over four years, is a necessary and welcome step. Australians have overwhelmingly indicated their support of a special intake of humanitarian visas for people from Afghanistan. The government has heard and responded.

The Australian Christian Lobby calls on Labor and the crossbench to cautiously consider the Phelps medivac bill allowing two doctors to recommend medical transfer to Australia for asylum seekers. 

Managing director Martyn Iles said, “Prime Minister Scott Morrison made it clear in his address at the Press Club on Monday if the bill goes through as is it will essentially spell the end to offshore processing.”

The Australian Christian Lobby today expressed in principle support for the Australian Labor Party’s commitment to raise the refugee intake by 4,000 places.

Moves by Labor, the Greens and Senate crossbenchers to allow asylum seekers from Nauru and Manus Island to be transferred to Australia on the say-so of two doctors have today been met with concern from the Australian Christian Lobby.

 The Australian Christian Lobby welcomes confirmation from Australian Government sources that Asia Bibi and her family will be offered asylum. 

“This is momentous news for all who have lobbied so hard and so long for Asia Bibi,” said ACL managing director Martyn Iles.

Amongst Christians, a debate about Nauru rarely gets far before someone invokes Jesus.

His parable of the Good Samaritan, His command to love our neighbour, even the notion that He was a refugee (sort of).

The Australian Christian Lobby calls on the federal government to offer Asia Bibi and her family asylum in Australia.