The Uniting Church in Australia has expressed profound concern at the Federal Government's decision to withhold support services and appropriate visa status from asylum seekers proven to be refugees.

UnitingJustice Australia, the justice policy and advocacy unit of the Uniting Church in Australia, is dismayed at reports that the Federal Labor Caucus is moving to include the Australian mainland in the Migration Act excision zone.

In light of today's decision of the High Court of Australia, the Uniting Church in Australia has called on the Government to urgently address the issue of negative ASIO assessments of refugees.

The Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia welcomes the following statement by Australian church leaders on the passing of the asylum seeker legislation.

The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly expressed deep disappointment at the recent passing of the Migration Amendment (Regional Processing and Other Measures) Bill 2012. Particular concern was raised about children, including unaccompanied minors, being stripped of their rights under both Australian and international law with the included amendments to the Immigration (Guardianship of Children) Act 1946.

Today's passage of the asylum seeker legislation through the Federal Parliament is a dismaying and distressing occurrence in our national life.

The Uniting Church has written to Senators regarding its concern about recent amendments to migration legislation. These amendments encourage the warehousing of refugees in under resourced neighbouring countries, and put asylum seekers at greater risk.

The Uniting Church in Australia has expressed its disappointment in the recommendations of the Houston Committee and called for a new beginning in the national debate on asylum seekers.

On behalf of the Uniting Church in Australia, I offer our thoughts and prayers for the safety of the asylum seekers affected by the latest tragedy off Christmas Island.

UnitingJustice, the national justice policy unit of the Uniting Church in Australia, has welcomed the new website materials produced by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for asylum seekers arriving by boat.