Earlier on Tuesday, the bill refusing all types of visas, including spouse and tourist, to any adult who tried but failed to enter Australia by boat without the appropriate permission since July 19, 2013, was introduced in the House of Representatives. It is likely be voted on in the House on Thursday.
"As far as the Greens are concerned, we would not support it in any form because we believe it is cruel, unnecessary and contrary to our obligations under international law. The Greens believe that the government’s policies towards people seeking asylum have failed and should be changed to be more humane and compassionate," Patrick Caruana said.
He added that Greens would continue to lobby the so-called crossbench — 11 independent and minor party's senators — to ask them to reject this legislation.
Currently, Australia sends all refugees that are trying to reach its shores by boats to processing centers in Papua New Guinea, which are due to close soon as PNG Supreme Court found the practice illegal, and to the island nation of Nauru.
Australia's policy in regard to refugees has been widely criticized by numerous rights groups and even the lawmakers. In mid-September, the Senate passed a motion proposed by the Labor Party, that was traditionally in favor of sending refugees away from Australia, to launch an inquiry into allegations of large-scale abuses committed against asylum seekers at the detention center on Nauru.
