Kon Karapanagiotidis

Who is the bad immigrant that Angus Taylor speaks of? Is it my late father Leo who would be up at 4am to work on farms in Mt Beauty, doing back breaking work no one born here was willing to do? Is it my mum Sia? Who when we moved to Melbourne worked in factories in exploitative conditions, until her body couldn’t take it anymore to put her kids through school? We can constructively debate our levels of immigration based on facts & economic data but when we hear words like “bad” being used along with “need to have our values and work hard” we know as migrants this is code to normalise racism towards us, to demonise us and scapegoat us.

I can’t take a break from work right now with all that refugees are facing, but I’m taking a break from all my social media for next 4 weeks. I’ll be ok I promise. I just need a break from the daily abuse, vile racists & misogynists. I need space for my emotional health. I’ll be back even more outspoken, fiercer & passionate. But now I need to be vulnerable & say this abuse is again too much for me. It hurts my heart, seeps into my skin & insidiously erodes my daily joy & optimism. I never want that fire of hope to extinguish in me. I want men to know it takes strength to say I’m not ok & hurting. For me doing so lets me breathe,ground myself & replenish

If you need to get in touch with me regarding anything connected to my work please email me at: kon.k@asrc.org.au as I won’t be checking my DMs from tomorrow.

So the Coalition just unveiled its new Immigration policy and it’s fair to say they are seeking to actually return us to the days of the White Australia Policy underpinned by Trump like rhetoric. (I’ll make a video summarising it all shortly).

Angus Taylor had the gall to say yesterday he will make the case for a policy that can “discriminate based on values”. That is the antithesis of what it means to have values that are based in morality and justice. He goes onto say “Not everyone wanting to migrate to Australia will be a net benefit to Australia – indeed, many will be a net drain.” This kind of rhetoric beyond the dog whistling, racist coded language is the last thing we need from our political leaders. How shameful, divisive, dehumanising and vile.

It’s quite something to watch One Nation, the Murdoch media and right wing Liberal MPs suddenly withdraw their support for the Combating Anti - Semitism, Hate and Extremism Bill as it dawns on them they all too would face criminal prosecution for their perpetual hate speech.

We’ve launched today a 7-day critical appeal to respond to the rise in racism in Australia. 7 days. $220,000. One goal: fund national research to build the tools we need to push back against hate together. We just passed $23,000 raised in 3 hours!

Donate donate.asrc.org.au

The ASRC have had to launch an emergency food appeal as the fuel crisis is having a devastating impact on our two food banks, that feed 4.000 refugees a month. Wholesale food hikes to cost of deliveries to drop of community donations all at once. Donate: https://donate.asrc.org.au/urgent-food-security-appeal

Did you know the number of sexual assaults recorded by police has surpassed 40,000 nationwide in 2024, the highest rate in more than 20 years. Last year it went up 10%.

Did you know this just the tip of the iceberg according to experts?

Did you know that there doesn’t exist a national watchdog to tackle this issue?

Labor is ramming thru new laws to stop people from #Iran with current visas to lawfully enter Australia, from doing so. Labor fear they would now meet the criteria for being refugees. So the 5 Iranian footballers they helped today (rightly given asylum) was to distract u from their plan to slam the door on the rest who could have safely got even temporary sanctuary from war here https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/10/labor-moves-to-block-some-temporary-visa-holders-traveling-to-australia-amid-middle-east-war

January 26th marks the beginning of a genocide, of colonisation, dispossession (that continues to this day), stolen children, stolen land, stolen wages and stolen language. It’s a day to reflect, listen and grieve. You don’t celebrate the oppression, suffering and trauma of First Nations Peoples, you mourn and acknowledge it. You hold space and show respect. The ASRC is also proud to officially be part of the Not a Date to Celebrate campaign as an organisation.

#invasionday #survivalday #jan26

Tired of feeling helpless at the state of the world and want to find out how to make a positive difference? Come to our Volunteer Open Night on April 15th & get a real feel for what it’s like at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. No pressure, no expectations! Just a chance to understand the work & see where you might fit. There’s a role for everyone who shares our values and passion for a fairer & kinder Australia.

📍 ASRC, Footscray
🕕 6pm-8pm
Book your spot: https://events.humanitix.com/asrc-volunteer-open-night-2026

I cannot be party to silencing writers, which is why I am resigning as director of Adelaide writers’ week |
Louise Adler

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jan/13/i-cannot-be-party-to-silencing-writers-which-is-why-i-am-resigning-as-director-of-adelaide-writers-week-ntwnfb

Despair is not a strategy but hope, love and community in action is. Come be part of a community of welcome and courage. Come join me at the ASRC Volunteer Info Night to find out how you can volunteer to help refugees. We need you more than ever before. Sign up here: https://events.humanitix.com/asrc-volunteer-open-night-2026

Iran’s regime is vile, but what Trump and Netanyahu have done is a war crime | Geoffrey Robertson.

https://www.theage.com.au/world/middle-east/iran-s-regime-is-vile-but-what-trump-and-netanyahu-have-done-is-a-war-crime-20260303-p5o70o.html

National Invasion Day rallies today. #invasionday #survivalday #jan26 image vcourtesy of Mob in Fashion🙏🏼

Join me tomorrow arvo (Sunday) at 3pm in Clifton Hill (Melb) in conversation, speaking about how we can build communities of hope and keep fight for human rights in these dark times. 50% of tickets sales go to the ASRC. Tickets here ($30/$15) 👇🏼
https://events.humanitix.com/equinox-talk-kon-karapanagiotidis-on-compassion-in-action

While the Australian government spends billions detaining refugees on Nauru, people seeking asylum here in Australia are left with no income support and often no right to work or even a Medicare card. Defend Hope by donating to the ASRC today: https://donate.asrc.org.au/defend-hope

A significant finding that supports our call to end offshore detention now. Australia exposed an Iranian asylum seeker to torture & ill-treatment during his years in detention, a UN committee has found, amounting to a breach of international obligations.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/14/australia-exposed-iranian-asylum-seeker-to-torture-on-manus-un-says

LAST DAY to get tickets to the ASRC first ever Melbourne Food and Wine Festival event! Taste Palestinian & Sri Lankan flavours by Hero Cooks Noha & Nige on Wednesday March 25th.

All inclusive of delicious food and drinks and all dietary needs covered! Tickets here: https://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/events/feast-for-freedom-a-longer-table/

Today across Australia stand with Indigenous people, for a united Australia & for a better future for Indigenous children. Let’s stand for listening, a voice to create a fairer Australia. Here’s where walks are happening today! Go to http://www.yes23.com.au/walk for more info. #yes23