Refugee Rights
Access to Justice
Refugee Rights
WK continues to provide much needed support for refugees and people seeking asylum. Many of our staff assist through client referrals, clinics, secondments, research and litigation. Others volunteer, advocate, donate and attend community events. We value working closely with our community partners Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS), Refugee Legal and the Human Rights Law Centre.
“Working in refugee rights drives personal growth, developing expertise in a new area of law, learning about other countries and cultures, finding different ways to connect with others, raising awareness. The people you meet, clients, support workers, other lawyers and volunteers, often demonstrate the best of humanity. Their resilience and determination is both humbling and inspiring. Their experiences and stories remain with you.
Countless times I have heard from those we support that our work gives people hope. To be even a small part of their journey to safety and freedom, or towards reuniting families and building communities, is such a privilege. Engaging in this work has without doubt made me a better, more practical lawyer and I love the opportunities it provides for our staff to use their skills in a different way to help build a better future for others.”
Angela Tan
Special Counsel and Refugee Rights Lead
Sydney
Seeking Protection – Refugee Client
Ruth* fled her home country some years ago to escape the violence she had endured in her forced marriage since the age of 15, having to leave behind her children to seek safety. Her protection visa was refused by the Department and again by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. We worked together with pro bono counsel to help Ruth seek review of that decision before the Federal Circuit Court. Ruth was very anxious about the outcome as returning would put her at risk of the same violence she escaped from, and take her away from the life she had built over the past decade living and working in Australia while waiting for a final determination.
The Court found the AAT had made a jurisdictional error and directed the matter to the Administration Review Tribunal for rehearing. While the journey continues for Ruth she was relieved and happy that she has another chance to receive permanent protection in Australia.
“I would like to say thank you to you and the barrister for everything you have done for me. I had lost hope in everything - even myself. Wotton Kearney lawyers gave me hope once again. Thank you.”
*Names have been altered for privacy reasons.
“In helping Ruth prepare for the hearing, her resilience and courage was incredibly moving. I not only gained skills in preparing for litigation, but I was reminded of how important this work is, and what it can mean for someone’s safety and future. Getting to speak with her and hear her story was inspiring, and a reminder of the real impact our work can have on people’s lives”.
Josie Wilson
Solicitor
Sydney
Reuniting Families
This year we celebrated our longstanding partnership with RACS and the impact of our family reunion work in supporting refugees who have now been granted permanency in Australia to sponsor their loved ones to join them. Over a lunchtime event with RACS we thanked our volunteers, learnt more about family reunion through trivia and shared stories, and celebrated the reuniting of families.
“It has been a privilege for Wotton Kearney to continue our support of RACS over the past year. Our regular evening sessions at RACS are a highlight in the Sydney office calendar. Whether supporting visa applications, assisting in Tribunal or interview preparation, or helping clients secure work rights, we are proud to play a small role alongside RACS’ dedicated and inspiring team.
We were really pleased to continue supporting the family reunion program, helping clients navigate the visa process to reunite with loved ones and achieve permanency in Australia. To be part of this, even in a small way, is deeply rewarding.
A highlight of the year was attending RACS’ Refugee Week lunch, celebrating clients who had received permanent visas. It is rare for us providing pro bono support to see where our assistance ends up, particularly when discriminatory policies and processing delays separate many of the families we speak to, sometimes for decades. It was a rare and joyful opportunity to witness the outcomes of RACS’ efforts and to share in the warmth of families rebuilding their lives together in safety. What a reminder of the profound difference access to justice can make."
Renee Magee
Senior Associate
Sydney
Wotton Kearney acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
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