Since August 1993, I have enjoyed assisting such individuals and families, as Co-ordinator of the Asylum Seekers Centre in Surry Hills. The Centre is unique in that it operates largely through the contribution of professional volunteers who donate their time and expertise to run a range of programs. This raises issues about the difference between paid and unpaid labour, and allows for conflicts within the triangular relationship between government, welfare organisations and volunteers. By way of response we are focusing on developing equitable work practices and will document these. It is interesting to note that workers at the Asylum Seekers Centre, like the volunteer labour force in general, are predominantly women.
Unemployment remains a major concern.
For this reason among others, efforts to limit the numbers of those seeking refugee status is always on the national agenda. Pressure arises from conservative political forces and from those who fear a tide of immigrants arriving, fleeing political dislocation. Some environmentalists, too, argue that Australia is at its maximum carrying capacity, especially in cities such as Sydney. Many misconceptions exist about asylum seekers. The term itself is problematic and raises issues of discrimination.