About the Refugee Action Campaign

The Refugee Action Campaign (RAC) Canberra is a grassroots advocacy organisation and part of a national network of people committed to the fair and humane treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.
We are composed of individuals from a broad range of backgrounds and are not affiliated with any political party. We work with any person or organisation willing to stand with us on the basis of mutual respect and shared values.

What We Believe
We believe that people seeking asylum in Australia deserve dignity, safety, and justice. We stand for a system that allows asylum seekers to live and work in the community while their claims are processed, that does not discriminate based on how people arrived, and that honours Australia's international obligations to protect those fleeing persecution.
We stand for rapid, fair processing of all asylum applications; for the right of refugees to be reunited with their families; for full legal rights under Australian law; and for a generous, welcoming approach to refugees that reflects the wealth and values of our country.

What We Oppose
We oppose the indefinite detention of asylum seekers behind razor wire. We oppose offshore processing in Papua New Guinea and Nauru. We oppose Temporary Protection Visas that deny permanent resettlement and family reunion. We oppose the removal of legal rights from people seeking protection, and the return of refugees to places of danger and persecution.
We also oppose the political opportunism, racism and xenophobia that portrays refugees and asylum seekers as a threat — when in reality, refugees are a positive and enriching part of Australia's economy, culture, and society.

Our Goal
RAC Canberra works to raise public awareness, build community solidarity, and campaign for an Australia that lives up to its obligations — and its values. We welcome anyone willing to join us.



Palm Sunday Rally for refugees, Canberra, 29 Mar 2026

Letter Writing Campaign| Australian Refugee Action Network https://aran.net.au/resources/letter-writing/


Campaigns Against Racism & the Music They Inspired https://refugeeaction.org/20250501/campaigns-against-racism-the-music-they-inspired/

In Pictures

Latest Actions and Campaigns

Events Calendar

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The Undesirables
Hear the whistleblowing author of this new book speak in Canberra. Mark Isaacs was only 24 and with no experience when he was hired by [...]
Emergency Peak-Hour Protest
Wed 9 Jul 2014    
17:30
Emergency Peak-Hour Protest Don’t hand asylum seekers back to Sri Lanka! 5.30-6.30pm Wednesday 9 July At the intersection of Northbourne Ave and Barry Drive Scott [...]
15 Jul
Tue 15 Jul 2014    
16:00 - 17:00
Melissa Parke MP and Anna Burke MP invite you to attend the launch of Labor for Refugees’ ‘THE DROWNINGS ARGUMENT’ with contributions from Julian Burnside QC, Misha Coleman, Ben Saul, Pamela Curr, James Hathaway and others. With special guest Professor William Maley, Director, Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy ANU College of Asia and the Pacific Tuesday 15 July 4-5pm 2R1, Parliament House RSVP: robinro2@bigond.com
02 Aug
Sat 2 Aug 2014    
13:00 - 17:00
A workshop for Canberra Refugee Action Committee activists – or those who want to be. The Refugee Action Committee in Canberra has developed a campaign that has seen large numbers of people demonstrate at public meetings and demonstrations. We have made an impact. Many people have volunteered their time doing the hundreds of things needed to build this movement. We want to take this movement to another level and that needs more activists with more skills. That is the aim of this workshop. It doesn’t matter what age, background or previous life experience you have, you can become an activist and make an important contribution to this campaign. The afternoon will consist of: 1. The big picture How we can win - eventually. An analysis of the political situation, the polls, the people we can attract and how the campaign must orient itself to be most effective. This will be a talk and discussion 2. Pop-up arguments Five 5-minute arguments are shown in role-play using the typical arguments between those who oppose our views and those who support them. At the end of each argument there will be a brief discussion of what should be added/subtracted. The arguments will be: a. we will be swamped b. they will drown at sea c. they are jumping the queue d. they’re illegal e. they might be terrorists 3. Is there an alternative? The practical alternative to Operation Sovereign borders. What we did before, what other countries do. This will be a brief talk and discussion 3. Point of contact How to draw people into the campaign on stalls, while leafleting – or anywhere else. This will be a brief role-play around a RAC stall. 4. Simultaneous sessions a. Involving young people in the campaign b. Using social media to build the campaign 5. Brainstorm This is a brainstorming session in which all ideas are welcome. 6. Break out Informal discussion over drinks and nibbles
Events on Tue 8 Jul 2014
The Undesirables
8 Jul 14
Canberra
Events on Wed 9 Jul 2014
Events on Tue 15 Jul 2014
15 Jul
15 Jul 14
Canberra
Events on Sat 2 Aug 2014
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