QATESOL ISSUES

QATESOL’s Position on Reconciliation and Temporary Protection Visa holders

As TESOL teachers, we are very aware of how language and culture are interrelated and the part they play in shaping identity. On a daily basis we work with and for a variety of cultural minorities and so are sensitized to the effects of government policies on individuals within these different cultural groups.

Our awareness reinforces our belief in our obligation to be knowledgeable of relevant policies and to comment publicly on those policies, in order to demonstrate support for social justice and equity.

Members of the QATESOL Executive, at their most recent meeting, voted to publicly show their support for the document 'Australian Declaration Towards Reconciliation' (Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, 'Corroboree 2000: Towards Reconciliation')

This support will be demonstrated by:

• advocating for ESL programs for Indigenous communities
• creating opportunities for members to be more informed on indigenous issues
• supporting ESL teachers who are working with indigenous students
• encouraging the teaching of Indigenous issues (particularly Reconciliation) in the mainstream context
• educating newly-arrived migrants and refugees on the issues associated with Reconciliation (such as through Contact Youth activities)
• acknowledging traditional landowners at all QATESOL functions
• informing politicians of all parties and at all levels of government of our organization's position on this issue
• engaging in the public debate regarding Reconciliation

Our commitment to social justice and equity also encompasses our most recently arrived students on Temporary Protection Visas. The QATESOL Executive supports and recognizes the position taken by the Queensland Government in a recent research report by Renee Mann, 'Temporary Protection Holders in Queensland' (February 2001) 

This support will be demonstrated by:

• informing politicians of all parties and at all levels of government of our organization's position on this issue
• advocating at a Federal level against Detention Centres and the temporary nature of these visas with the accompanying lack of adequate funding and settlement services
• initiate and respond to public debate on this issue
• assist with the provision of accurate information for other newly arrived groups with regard to Temporary Protection Visas