So I ask the question...do we just need to harden up ? A rework of a piece I recently wrote for the opinion pages on the Brisbane Times. Read the comments! They are always my favourite part of the piece...
Links Round Up on the ALP's Refugee Policy
[box] “23,000 persons per day leave their homes and seek protection elsewhere – more than the total number of asylum seekers arriving in Australia in a year[/box]
Since the Kevin Rudd announced the new ALP policy on refugees and asylum seekers last Friday afternoon, I have been at a mental and moral loss. Still trying to get my head around it, I thought I would put together a few of the interesting articles and pieces written about this so we can try gather enough information to have a reasoned debate. Here are a few of those pieces...
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A fine piece examining the detail behind the policy and what it means.
Morally, though? There are real questions that need to be answered, not least of which is: at what point did we decide we would no longer even consider processing boat-borne refugees – any refugees – on our own land?
That’s what is important here. Not hysteria, not deliberately misleading headlines, not hodge-podge rallies responding with the speed of a knee-jerk to a few bullet points.
Asking the right questions. Calmly, implacably, and constantly.
A really well written piece by a professor of international law:
The average Australian enjoys extraordinary fortune by world standards, but privilege has bred concern for ourselves not others. In the internet age, it would take little effort for Australians to educate themselves about the real state of the world's refugees. Not enough could be bothered to do so, yet still feel entitled to express an opinion on the subject.
Great visual via the Antibogan:
The Conversation is one of my favourite places for good information on politics and policy in Australia. On this topic they are no exception. Here is an explainer on our international obligations, whether or not turning back boats is legal, experts' response on the announcement and an explainer on the fact that the policy probably doesn't comply with international law.
[box] There is some irony in Australia unloading its problem onto its developing neighbour while at the same time seeking to show international leadership on the broad issue.[/box]
Michelle Gratton talks about how this policy is largely to shift the problem into someone else's backyard.
In his [Rudd] news conference on the night of the 2010 coup against him he warned against a lurch to the right on asylum policy.
Now he has taken his own huge step to the right.
He says one has to respond to changing circumstances.
On each occasion he has managed to sound sincere and convincing as he articulated his position. That is his political skill.
A perspective from The Guardian on the situation in PNG.
A strange article on the ABC implying the 'policy is working'.
Muhammad Asif, who spoke to the ABC via a translator, asked the Government to take pity on asylum seekers and said Australia should fund the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to help process their claims.
"He said 'after I saw this, I will never go by boat. I'm decided to go join UNHCR'," the translator said.
"Before he see this he says he wanted to go by boat with most of his friends. They wanted to go by boat.
"One thing he requests ... from Australia, [is] to push the UNHCR. Please let it be faster.
A great PDF fact sheet on Australia's refugee burden versus the world.
Julian Burnside's opinion piece (worth reading!!)
A satirical piece that hits a lot of spots.
Rest easy, Australia. Our borders are now safe from illegals. They always were, of course, as seeking asylum has always been legal. As Julian Burnside pointed out yesterday, “Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights every person has the right to seek asylum in any territory they can reach.” But now we are safe from legal illegals. And besides, we have no obligation to accept refugees and allow them to live here. Well, yes, OK, technically as a signatory to the Refugee Convention we do have that obligation, legally and morally, especially given our involvement in international conflicts that is partially responsible for people fleeing their country...
Have you read any good pieces or perspectives on this topic since the announcement?
**New updates on the 23rd of July**
White Nationalists welcome Rudd's Policy: Satire by Aamer Rahman
Further analysis by The Conversation on what a truly regional solution would look like.
How I fell in love with V8s and all things motorsport...
I've always considered myself a rebel of sorts, even though all my friends at the Christian ecumenical high school I went to didn't see it that way.
I wasn't allowed out at night or on the weekends to ‘hang out’ at the shopping center; I had chosen to cover my hair and my body up as part of my religious beliefs; all my social events were with my family or community.
That didn’t matter to me though. I rebelled in my own ways… and one of those rebellions has turned into a full blown, life passion.
The story starts innocently enough; it was a cool Friday night and my mother, brother and I were settling in for another VHS movie night.
As was our tradition, we headed on over to the local video store and proceeded to each pick a movie. My brother always picked the strange titles; I remember him thinking Shaolin Soccer looked cool. The night we watched that movie our stomachs hurt from distraught laughter.
Back to the Friday night in question...
It was an evening like any other, unremarkable to the point where I don't remember any details. Suffice to say, however, one of us picked a movie that essentially changed my life.
It was called Catch that Kid. I look at the cover now and cringe, but at the time I just thought the two boys looked cute - and one had an afro like me! I was sold.
The plot of the movie is irrelevant. It was a good movie, with nothing of note to remember...until right at the end, one of the characters heads out to his family's go-kart track and speeds around the circuit.
"That looks so cooool!" I remember thinking. "I want to do THAT!"
Sold.
I then proceeded to beg my mum to let me on the internet (dial up, as it was), and began researching everything I could about go-karting. When my parents refused to fork out the hundreds and thousands of dollars I was asking for to hit it up myself, I then started researching cars.
Somehow, between that kid's go-kart and the pages of the How Cars are Made books I borrowed from the local library, I fell in love with cars.
My first love was the McLaren F1. The fastest production car of the time; I couldn't get enough of it. I would borrow shelves worth of books from the library, from service manuals to the history of Ferrari, drinking up the shapes, the designs, the speed, the beauty of the power...
I think my parents thought it was a strange phase I would get over, until I started taking design and technology classes at school. They would later be pleasantly surprised when I went on to top the subjects of both graphic design and design and technology in grade 12 (I was the only girl in my design and tech class!).
They must have realised something was up when all I would watch on the television was the Formula 1 and the V8s. They definitely came to accept it when I chose mechanical engineering as my major, because I wanted to design cars for a living. I did initially want to be the first, female, Muslim Formula 1 driver but it didn't quite work out that way! ;)
If there is one thing I have learnt from the experience though, it's that inspiration can come from anywhere. If we hadn't decided to stay in that night and watch movies, I might neverhave discovered my love for motorsport. It makes life exciting in a way, to know that inspiration can hit at any time. Sometimes you just have to follow your gut and take life for a drive!
Finding your (engineering) Spark!
Youth Without Borders just ran its third Spark Engineering Camp and it was a resounding success! Here is a little more information...
In the words of one student, “Spark is a life changing experience - what you put in, you get double out!”
Spark Engineering Camp is an equal opportunity experience for over 60 young Queenslanders who may face barriers to university education, and according to one student, ‘is the place where you will find your motivation and inspiration for your future’.
The main focus of the camp is showing students that their dreams for future study and career possibilities are both valid and achievable.
The students come from a variety of backgrounds, with 75% from regional or rural locations, and students from refugee, indigenous and foster care families.
In a 6 day residential program at the University of Queensland, these students are supported by a passionate team of mentors through practical engineering activities, motivational and educational presentations, and personal development workshops. They learn that not only is engineering useful and interesting - it is also fun!
Students left the camp with an entirely new network of friends, a sense of excitement about their future pathways, and above all, the notion that if they can dream something, they can achieve it. Students discovered:
“all the possible things that may happen in life if I choose engineering”
“that I had more potential than I thought”
and “how it is never too late for anything”
An initiative first started by Youth Without Borders in 2011, Spark has been overwhelmingly successful in motivating students towards university studies.
In only its third year, 90% of 2013 participants aim to pursue some form of university studies after finishing school, an increase of 50% from before the camp.
In a post-camp survey of 2012 participants, all respondents who had finished school reported now being at university, and 90% of the respondents were either studying, or intended to study engineering.
All Year 12 students at Spark 2011 went on to attend university, and since then, past students have returned to the camp as mentors and keynote speakers to give back to the program that motivated them towards university.
The mentors are predominantly university student volunteers from engineering disciplines, who work tirelessly to give the Spark students the most exciting and insightful experience possible.
Instrumental in providing this opportunity are the sponsors ofthe program. Industry partners allow Spark to be provided free of charge for students, and also provide an added dimension for the students’ discovery of engineering.
Through actively engaging in the program with a panel, “mentor in a minute” speed networking, and keynote address, the sponsors can directly see the incredible students that they are supporting, and can share their passion with the next generation of engineers.
Students enjoyed the corporate engagement because they could “talk to actual engineers and find out what they actually do” and “plan out their career”. In particular they found the Keynote Address “inspirational” as it sparked in them “strong determination and motivation for [their] future”.
If you know someone who needs that Spark to encourage them towards university study, student applications will be opening towards the end of 2013.
To stay up to date and be notified, email students@spark.ywb.com.au and follow the Spark website, www.spark.ywb.com.au. If you are interested in becoming a corporate partner of Spark, please contactsponsorship@spark.ywb.com.au!
Three (MEGA) Tips for Creating that AWESOME Personal Network.
The Search is ON!!
Last year I had the absolute honour of being named one of Australia's 100 Women of Influence (and the joint Winner of the Young Leader's Category!!). It has introduced me to amazing women around the country and is a fantastic initiative.
The search is now on again! Do you know any ladies that you think are influential? Nominate them today!
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AFR: "The national and international search for Australia’s most inspiring and influential women in 2013 is on. The annual Financial Review – Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards recognise and amplify the outstanding efforts of women across Australia’s economy and society. And in 2013 the momentum behind them is growing.
Launched in 2012 by then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the awards were aimed at celebrating their contribution to developing a diverse, vibrant and prosperous Australia.
The awards cover 10 categories: board/management, innovation, public policy, business entrepreneur, diversity, young leader, global, social enterprise/not-for-profit, philanthropy and local/regional.
The inaugural awards in 2012 clearly struck a chord, attracting support and entries from around Australia. At the time Westpac chief executive Gail Kelly said they were an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution women make in building a more sustainable economic and social future.
“These awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the success and achievements of women across Australia and we look forward to starting the search again this year.”
“Westpac is proud to continue its support of the 100 Women of Influence awards. It’s an important way to acknowledge the significant contribution that women are making to achieve change in their local communities, businesses and society more generally.”
Financial Review Group chief executive and publisher, Brett Clegg, said: “Westpac and AFR want to acknowledge and take pride in powerful female leaders across all aspects of our society.
“Being involved at the inception of this initiative has been a great source of pride personally and for the Financial Review. This is an incredibly impactful and powerful awards program and there’s no better partner from our perspective than Gail and the Westpac team.”
A woman of influence is someone who can demonstrate collaboration within and beyond their field, and a wider circle of influence than through their direct role.
They exert influence by contributing to women’s advancement across society and economic life, and to Australian communities through collaboration and mentoring and not settling for the status quo.
Nominations were shortlisted and assessed by a panel of judges against a range of criteria, including the nominee’s personal and career achievements, contribution beyond their direct role and their mentoring and support for other women.
Nominations to the 2013 100 Women of Influence awards are open this Monday July 8 and close on Sunday August 18. Entries can be submitted online at www.afr.com/100women."
Crazy Rig Conversations: Part 5!
Working on the rigs, one hears - and partakes in - crazy, strange random conversations that usually make me laugh. Here are a few of the recent gems! Apologies for any offense caused...
NB: Generally, each person is referred to as ‘old mate’, or OM for short. ’Old Mate’ is Australian for ‘that random dude’, or someone whose name you have forgotten.
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OM1: You know, I get that women want equality right. But you have to play by the rules of the game and not complain about things? It's like, when a guy who is disabled competes in the normal Olympics and then complains that the result isn't fair - well mate, we made you your own Olypmics, if you want to come and compete with us you have to be on the same level...
Me: Hmm well I can't say I have ever thought of it that way hay.
OM1: Oh well I'm not saying that being a woman is like being disabled...haha!
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I had a surprisingly educated conversation with a driller about religion. He managed to explain the concept of "Jihad" to a fellow colleague in quite a precise manner.
OM1: Mate, I read about this Jihad thing aye. It's not like going to war, it's like struggling for something FOR God. Like, say, you want to quit smoking for God, that's your Jihad. It's your struggle.
Me: Wow, that's actually a pretty good explanation!
It has actually changed the way my colleague sees Islam now. #win!
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A new leasehand (the lowest position on the rig crew) had just joined the crew. I was asking about his experience.
Me: Oh so it's his first day on the crew?
OM1: Yah, he's from the army. It's his first day on a rig ever!
Me: Oh wow, that's so cute! (as you do...)
OM1: No Yassmin. Puppies are cute. Kittens are cute. We are hard, tough, strong. We are MEN. We are not cute.
Me: ...
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Free Trade Agreements: Handle with Care
Just posted a piece on Free Trade Agreements on the fabulous Future Challenges blog! Click to see more of my pieces on Future Challenges :)
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Like many other structural policies, free trade agreements are a tool used by governments to achieve their objectives.
Now tools can be used or misused, and in this case the tool is not being used to its fullest potential. Free Trade Agreements need to be handled with due care if they are to achieve the economic benefits they have the capacity to deliver. Let me explain why.
Free trade is a concept that arouses much opposition around the world but that still seems to be an accepted part of the global economic state of play.
Let’s take the case of Australia.
The terms of the Australia – United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) proved much less favourable than expected for Australian companies.
The influential key industries of sugar and beef at best saw only a modest improvement in terms of access. A survey of exporting companies conducted by the Australian Industry Group in late 2009 indicated that less than half of companies surveyed saw any direct benefits from AUSFTA while almost 80 percent of respondents said the FTA was not very effective in improving export opportunities. As AI Group chief executive, Heather Ridout said at the time:
“The survey shows that FTAs alone do not motivate companies to seek new export opportunities but do provide some advantages to those already exporting to that market.”
The New York Times also shed an interesting light on the agreement, saying that it:
… sends a chilling message to the rest of the world. Even when dealing with an allied nation with similar living standards, the administration, under pressure from the Congress, has opted to continue coddling the sugar lobby, rather than dropping the most indefensible form of protectionism. This will only embolden the case of those around the world who argue that globalisation is a rigged game.
Yet at the end of the day, AUSFTA has neither substantially benefited nor severely disadvantaged Australia. The huge growth in trade predicted for the United States failed to materialize, but neither did the fears over intellectual property and the PBS. It is almost a neutral situation.
The AUSFTA was one of the first significant FTAs that Australia entered into, coming into force under much controversy on the first of January 2005. The Howard government of the day supported by the Center of International Economics heralded it as a major success. According to CIE modeling, Australia’s annual GDP would increase up to $6 billion in a decade thanks to the agreement.
It was the first of such agreements and Australia has now sealed seven of them with various nations from Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand to the ASEAN bloc.
Signing a Free Trade Agreement in1935 by Wiki Commons. CC C-031017
Could it be that the political role played by Free Trade Agreements is more important than all other considerations? Are they nothing more than just an accurate reflection of the politics of the day?
In this piece by fellow Future Challenges Blogger Aylin Matle, the ‘real’ merits of these agreements are interrogated. Perhaps, as Alyin mentions, Free Trade Agreements are part of a government’s economic toolkit but also have a subtle but equally important political effect.
On the other hand however, there are examples of when trade triumphs over politics (and vice versa) and perhaps, suggests that the two concepts should not be treated with the same broad brush.
The concept of “free trade” is not in itself inherently bad or negative. As such, we should switch our focus away from the idea of free trade to the details of the agreements being forged, in an effort to ensure they are as fair and mutually beneficial as possible.
They say that the devil is in the detail and nowhere is that more true. Each government decides how they will use this increasingly popular tool to further their own policy objectives. To understand what these objectives are though, we need to take a closer look at the devil in the detail.
SBS Online: Getting to know our neighbours
Defining ‘Australia in the Asian Century’ has been the subject of some debate since the release of the Federal Government’s White Paper in October last year. But how much do we know about the neighbourhood we are calling our own?
Last month I found myself in the hot and humid Malaysian city of Kuala Lumpur with five other ‘cultural exchange’ participants and a diplomatic entourage. I was a guest of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and our mission was to learn as much as we could about this nation’s rich tapestry in one week.
Malaysia is often seen as an exemplary model for Muslim countries around the world; a country with a Muslim government where halal food is abundant and hijab fashion shops sit comfortably next to Chanel and Hermes.
For me, the opportunity to delve beneath the surface was an experience that offered much to reflect on, particularly for a migrant Muslim who calls multicultural Australia home.
Read on...and check out my first piece as a blogger on the SBS Online website!
I will hopefully now be a regular contributor on a whole random range of issues so watch this space!
If you love something, let it go...
Last week, Youth Without Borders' Spark Engineering Camp was held in Brisbane, Queensland. It was the third year of operations and the first year where my involvement was purely observational.
There is something amazing to be said for seeing a project taken from concept to execution.
There is something even more spectacular about seeing it be truly owned by the next generation, and taken to heights beyond what you might have imagined for it.
I am so immensely proud of the Spark Engineering Camp team, their professionalism and their candour; humbled by their capacity and what they have done for over 60 young people around the state.
They were able to take this group of young people - all with beautiful stories of their own and many from backgrounds that do not lend themselves to university or engineering aspirations - and broaden their horizons, empowering them forever more.
I visited the camp on the last night and was inundated by positive comments. One young student, an extremely quiet and still lad, put it quite simply.
"It hasn't just helped me with choosing what I want to do. It's done so much more. It's made me come out of my shell..."
Words cannot do justice to the power of this experience.
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As I was leaving the camp after the visit on the final night, my heart twisted slightly, for an unfathomable reason.
Lying in bed, I realised it was the heartache of seeing something you had worked on grow beyond you...
...coupled with the realisation that this is the greatest thing that can ever happen.
We can hold onto what we love; people, organisations, projects, but holding on for too long can sometimes be the very cause of its stifling and demise.
It isn't an easy thing to do there is no doubting that. But it is in act of love in itself.
Giving space for growth is a beautiful gift and one that shouldn't be underestimated.
I must warn you though: the results may very well inspire you.
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(PS Stay tuned for the video of the week!)
A Morning on the Radio!
612 ABC Brisbane is my favourite morning radio show and today I had the enormous privilege of co-hosting the morning show with the fabulous Rebecca Levingston!
It was a fantastic experience and went a lot faster than expected! An early (bitterly cold) morning start was required, but cups of green tea and plenty of smiles made the dawn much warmer :)
We talked the FIFO life, Youth Without Borders, weather, traffic and life in Sudan; I even wished Brisbanites a good morning in Arabic! Check out some of the audio clips....
Harrison Fugate, one of the Spark Engineering Camp mentors from Youth Without Borders also joined us to talk about the camp and it's awesomeness...
Listen to Harrison's piece here! (note the students mentioned from the Torres Strait are from Thursday Island, not Christmas Island as stated).
Oh and song choice for the morning? We are Young by Fun and Talking about a Revolution by Tracy Chapman!
All round a morning of fun! What is your favourite thing to listen to in the morning?
What do (young, CALD) women want? Ask them.
Young people are often maligned in our society. Unsure of whether they are contributing adults or dependent children, they fall between the cracks and can often be voiceless in public conversation and debate. Culturally and linguistically diverse groups find themselves in a similar position at times; spoken 'for' rather than asked, 'othered' and objectified in a way by a society that may not fully understand them.
For young, culturally and linguistically diverse women then, the challenge can sometimes seem insurmountable. Not only do they hail from different backgrounds, their age and their gender compound the difficulties that can often prevent them from fully engaging in community and society.
In order to engage young culturally and linguistically diverse women we must first understand that they are not only dealing with the standard societal expectations and pressures of being a young woman, but they are also dealing with often diametrically opposite expectations of their cultural background and community.
This dilemma encapsulates the issues of identity and belonging, as it so often does. Young culturally and linguistically diverse women are currently left to navigate these confusing waters alone, often without guidance, and seem to be expected to do so without fault. This is an unrealistic expectation. These young women should be supported, engaged and empowered to deal with issues of identity and growth. This will enable them to feel like they are part of the community or give them the power to shape their own.
Anecdotal evidence of mismatches between cultural expectations and the anguish that follows is plentiful. For families that migrate from very conservative societies where women are not given the same autonomy as they are in Australia, the idea that this is the norm here is one that is difficult to relate to and sometimes rejected.
This moves beyond the simple and superficial differences that are often highlighted, such as codes of dress. It goes to the root of gender roles and what it means to be a 'good woman' in particular cultures.
For some communities, women’s' involvement in extraneous activities including sports or politics is seen as undesirable. The 'Shinpads and Hijabs' program, which trained young Muslim girls in soccer, is one such example. When the initiative was run at the local Islamic school during school hours, parents were accepting and encouraging. However, when the suggestion was made to broaden the scope of the program and run it after hours, it was no longer an option for many. Furthermore, the final excursion to see the local team at the city's stadium was eventually cancelled as parents were reluctant to let their daughters attend the festivities.
It is quite possible that had these been boys, there would not have been any issue at all.
Examples such as this illustrate the pressures that are placed upon young culturally and linguistically diverse women on a daily basis.
How can we support and empower these young women as a sector to grow and develop as individuals?
Effective engagement with the young women, beginning with families and implemented through schools, is part of the solution.
It is important that any engagement with the young women include their families and communities. Due to the collectivist nature of many culturally and linguistically diverse communities, it is difficult to engage these ladies on an individual basis only and ignore the role their family plays. This collective engagement not only shows respect to cultural norms but also allows for a feedback process that is imperative to improving services.
Engagement through schools is also a natural avenue, as schools provide a platform that is already accepted. Moreover, families are more likely to value education and opportunities provided through educational institutions as opposed to random, unaffiliated programs. The legitimacy that the school structure provides is important, as is the captive audience within a school group. Operating during school hours, as with Shinpads and Hijabs, also allows for engagement programs to be minimally disruptive and more likely to be accepted.
One aspect not to be underestimated in effective engagement is the power of example. Encouraging other culturally and linguistically diverse women to run programs for their younger counterparts and become involved in the process is invaluable. The ability then of the young women – and importantly, their families – to relate to the programmers is enhanced significantly. They are also more likely to accept the program, as it will more obviously align with their own values, a concept which is extremely important.
Lastly, ask. Ask the young women what they want to do, what they want to achieve, and how best they want to do it. Often, as a sector we assume we know the best for particular groups, especially when it comes to dealing with young people. However these young women are smart, dynamic, interested and often have some idea of what they want to do. By asking, not only will their considerations be taken into account but their needs are front and center of the equation and the solution. This focus is imperative and invaluable.
Nothing will happen without some change. This does pose its own difficulties, as families and communities are often reticent to accept or entertain the idea of cultural and ideological change. However, as a sector it is our role to find the best ways of communicating with all of these groups – the young women, their families, schools and communities – in order to provide the best possible solution for all involved and to ensure these young women have their own, authentic voice..
This was initially published in FECCA’s 'Australian Mosaic'.