Time

Australian Asylum seekers events timeline

  • The Howard Government introduces Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) for asylum seekers

    The Howard Government introduces Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) for asylum seekers
    The Howard Government introduces Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) for asylum seekers who arrive unauthorised and are subsequently assessed by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) to be refugees.
  • A diplomatic dispute brews between Australia, Norway, and Indonesia after the Norwegian flagged ship MV Tampa rescues 439 Afghans from international waters off Australia, and is refused entry into Australian waters

    A diplomatic dispute brews between Australia, Norway, and Indonesia after the Norwegian flagged ship MV Tampa rescues 439 Afghans from international waters off Australia, and is refused entry into Australian waters
  • During the campaign for the 2007 parliamentary election, Australian Labor Party candidate Kevin Rudd promises to put an end to the 'Pacific Solution' if he were elected.

    During the campaign for the 2007 parliamentary election, Australian Labor Party candidate Kevin Rudd promises to put an end to the 'Pacific Solution' if he were elected.
    During the campaign for the 2007 parliamentary election, Australian Labor Party candidate Kevin Rudd promises to put an end to the 'Pacific Solution' if he were elected.
  • The Rudd Government abolishes the Temporary Protection visa (TPV) regime.

    The Rudd Government abolishes the Temporary Protection visa (TPV) regime.
    Australia ends its policy of sending asylum seekers into detention on small Pacific islands, with the last refugees leaving Nauru.
  • An explosion off the West Australian coast of Ashmore Reef kills up to five suspected asylum seekers and injures another 44 people.

    An explosion off the West Australian coast of Ashmore Reef kills up to five suspected asylum seekers and injures another 44 people.
    An explosion off the West Australian coast of Ashmore Reef kills up to five suspected asylum seekers and injures another 44 people.