The following motion was passed by Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC) executive council on July 26.
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鈥淭he VTHC believes refugees should not be punished for fleeing war and persecution to seek asylum. This is a right granted to all people under Australian and international law.
鈥淭here are over 10 million refugees in the world.
鈥淟ast year, Australia granted 13,759 humanitarian visas. This is less than 0.2% of the world鈥檚 refugees. Australia ranks 12th in the world by GDP, yet we rank 71st in taking refugees by GDP. By any measure, we do not do our fair share.
鈥淥ver 90% of arrivals who travel by boat are found to be refugees.
鈥淭his is an important issue because there is a long history of workers who support unions being persecuted because of their belief in standing up for workers鈥 rights.
鈥淭here are still many countries where working for a union or being part of a union can place workers in danger. We believe it is important these people, like all people fleeing for their safety, have the right to ask Australia for safety. We believe it鈥檚 Australia鈥檚 responsibility to treat these people fairly.
鈥淭he VTHC supports the rally for refugees and condemns the policy position of both major political parties.鈥