Get to know me as a journalisT

A 46-year-old Iraqi man, Maythem Kamil Rahdi, is accused of “people smuggling” 21 years ago at the Brisbane Supreme Court today.

The accused testified against allegations of facilitating a Suspected Illegal Entry Vessel (SIEV) from Indonesia that sank on route to Australia.

The Crown alleged that the events occurred between July 1, 2001, to October 19 2001, and the vessel carried an alleged estimate of over 500 persons.

The Crown prosecutor, Chris Shanahan, told the Jury that the accused was “not the kingpin” in the voyage.

“Radhi intended to facilitate the proposed entry [to Australia],” said Mr Shanahan.

“[The voyage led to] a significant number of lives being lost.”

“6 passengers were non-citizens that did not have a VISA in affect,” he said.

July 19 2022, commemorated the ninth year since Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, declared that government authorities would send asylum seekers arriving by boat to offshore processing facilities.

Senior Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, Scott Cosgriff, urges for Albanese government to “end this dark chapter in our history” by reversing the law from the Rudd Government regarding offshore detainment.

“Almost a decade on, the Australian government continues to punish people for seeking safety here,” said Mr Cosgriff.

“Families have been ripped apart. Hundreds of men, women and children have lost years of their lives and still don’t have any permanent home.”

“[Albanese Government must] allow every person the chance to rebuild their lives in safety,” he said.

Refugee Council of Australia Chief Executive Officer Paul Power “strongly disagree[s]” with the offshore processing in a letter to the Albanese Government.

“The past decade has been a tough time for many people who have sought refugee protection in Australia,” said Mr Power.

“1,380 people [are] still struggling under Australia’s offshore processing policy,” he said.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Community Organiser, [redacted], explains that volunteer-led Breakthrough Conversations' mission is to “create lasting social and policy change” within local communities.

“Breakthrough conversations is a 2.5 hr workshop provides the tools for how to have effective and persuasive conversations [for] refugee justice,” said Ms [redacted].

“Having conversations that change hearts and minds is the most effective way.”

“We…want policy framework that welcomes refugees and people seeking asylum [and] treats people humanely.”

“Our aim as an organisation is for the ASRC to one day not be needed any more,” she said.

University of Queensland Student Politician [redacted] encourages awareness within the student community.

“Australians should be more welcoming,” said Mr [redacted].

“The reason why people are against [asylum seekers] is because people fear what’s unfamiliar.”

“[Asylum seekers] are people who want to just live a normal life, [society] has a tunnel vision that blocks all this,” he said.

Mr [retracted] explains that awareness comes from the “younger generation” when challenging government policies.

“[Our] generation make the decisions for the future,” said Mr [redacted].