At midday, Saturday, 28 June, members and supporters of the Victorian Refugees Action Coalition will participate in an attention-grabbing, traffic-stopping, visually dramatic stunt, framed by Melbourne's most notable landmarks.

Dressed in long coats, activists will move in slow motion carrying suitcases with slogans painted on them.

The line of suitcases will challenge the myth of the orderly 'queue' that refugees have been accused of jumping. They will then be placed in a large pile at a prominent position around the intersection of Flinders and Swanston streets.

This action follows the suicide of Chinese refugee Bill Zhang, following his forcible deportation from Australia.

The action will highlight what little difference there is in the approach to refugees between the governments of Kevin Rudd and John Howard, despite the welcome abolition of Temporary Protection Visas and closure of Nauru.

Key matters of concern include:

• Mandatory detention with the possibility for indefinite detention
• Detention debts - some refugees accumulate huge debts, even when their detention has been unlawful. Australia is the only country to 'charge' asylum seekers for detention.
• The Rudd government's commitment to opening the new $500 million Guantanamo Bay-style refugee detention facility on Christmas Island
• The ongoing excision of Australian territories to reduce Australia's obligation to settle asylum seekers found to be refugees
• Minister Chris Evans' frequent use of his controversial powers to deport refugees
• Deportation of asylum seekers to places of danger.
• Policies which preclude family reunion for many refugees.
• The continuing use of Bridging Visa E, which precludes asylum seekers from paid work, medical, welfare, housing services or education and training, leaving them totally dependant on charity, and in limbo.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
WHEN: Midday, Saturday 28 June
WHERE: Federation Square & Cnr Flinders & Swanston St
WHAT: Activists dressed as refugees holding old suitcases, painted with slogans condemning Australia's refugee policies. They will walk in single file through Federation Square and then place the suitcases in a large pile at the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sylvie 0409 190 738