Mary Anne Kenny
@maryannekenny.bsky.social
Associate Professor Law at Murdoch University. Interests refugee law, mental health of refugees and asylum seekers, human rights.
Pinned
👋Hello Bluesky! I work at Murdoch University School of law & Criminology. I teach and research in the area of refugee law, mental health of asylum seekers and human rights. I hope to build understanding of the impacts of laws and policies on the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
Minister Burke wants to use detention to encourage visa overstayers to leave. More detention beds may serve as a deterrent, but legal advice, case management, and assisted return programs are more humane and effective tools for compliance. Detention should be a last resort.
September 17, 2026 at 3:38 AM
Minister Burke wants to use detention to encourage visa overstayers to leave. More detention beds may serve as a deterrent, but legal advice, case management, and assisted return programs are more humane and effective tools for compliance. Detention should be a last resort.
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Women seeking safety in the UK often experience sexual and gender-based violence in their countries of origin, on their journeys to safety, and again in the UK.
Yet the latter is often overlooked, with women left with little support to seek justice, to heal, and to recover.
1/🧵
Yet the latter is often overlooked, with women left with little support to seek justice, to heal, and to recover.
1/🧵
Female asylum seekers report being sexually assaulted by British men
Women say they are wary of pursuing criminal prosecution of rapes, for fear of having their asylum claims refused
www.theguardian.com
September 14, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Women seeking safety in the UK often experience sexual and gender-based violence in their countries of origin, on their journeys to safety, and again in the UK.
Yet the latter is often overlooked, with women left with little support to seek justice, to heal, and to recover.
1/🧵
Yet the latter is often overlooked, with women left with little support to seek justice, to heal, and to recover.
1/🧵
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
We are pleased to share that Associate Professor Catherine Briddick @catbriddick.bsky.social has taken on the role of Refugee Studies Centre Director.
Please join us in welcoming her into this new role.
Read more:
https://www.rsc.ox.ac.uk/news/director-catherine-briddick
Please join us in welcoming her into this new role.
Read more:
https://www.rsc.ox.ac.uk/news/director-catherine-briddick
September 10, 2026 at 9:04 AM
We are pleased to share that Associate Professor Catherine Briddick @catbriddick.bsky.social has taken on the role of Refugee Studies Centre Director.
Please join us in welcoming her into this new role.
Read more:
https://www.rsc.ox.ac.uk/news/director-catherine-briddick
Please join us in welcoming her into this new role.
Read more:
https://www.rsc.ox.ac.uk/news/director-catherine-briddick
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Reports employers are increasingly using ABNs to misclassify and underpay migrant workers
How ABNs are increasingly being used as a tool for exploitation
A cohort of workers in Australia is being short-changed almost $3.2 billion each year — and many bosses are perpetrating the underpayment through 11-digital numbers.
www.abc.net.au
September 6, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Reports employers are increasingly using ABNs to misclassify and underpay migrant workers
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
🚨 Yet ANOTHER study finds "NO evidence that rising numbers of undocumented immigrants are linked with violent crime."
There has NEVER been evidence to support this racist BS❗
Undocumented migration does not raise crime rates, huge study finds www.nature.com/articles/d41... via @nature.com
There has NEVER been evidence to support this racist BS❗
Undocumented migration does not raise crime rates, huge study finds www.nature.com/articles/d41... via @nature.com
Undocumented migration does not raise crime rates, huge study finds
Analysis of neighbourhoods in more than 100 US cities finds no evidence that rising numbers of undocumented immigrants are linked with violent crime.
www.nature.com
August 14, 2026 at 7:11 PM
🚨 Yet ANOTHER study finds "NO evidence that rising numbers of undocumented immigrants are linked with violent crime."
There has NEVER been evidence to support this racist BS❗
Undocumented migration does not raise crime rates, huge study finds www.nature.com/articles/d41... via @nature.com
There has NEVER been evidence to support this racist BS❗
Undocumented migration does not raise crime rates, huge study finds www.nature.com/articles/d41... via @nature.com
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Young women who call Sweden home are being deported to countries where their rights, autonomy, and safety may be at risk.
Sweden should halt these deportations and ensure return decisions comply with its human rights obligations.
More from @hrw.org: www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
#WomensRights
Sweden should halt these deportations and ensure return decisions comply with its human rights obligations.
More from @hrw.org: www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
#WomensRights
Sweden: Deportation Decisions Ignore Women’s Rights Risks
Sweden is deporting young women to countries where they could face severe gender-based rights violations, Human Rights Watch said today. Media reported that in 2025, at least 92 young adults were set ...
www.hrw.org
July 8, 2026 at 6:23 AM
Young women who call Sweden home are being deported to countries where their rights, autonomy, and safety may be at risk.
Sweden should halt these deportations and ensure return decisions comply with its human rights obligations.
More from @hrw.org: www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
#WomensRights
Sweden should halt these deportations and ensure return decisions comply with its human rights obligations.
More from @hrw.org: www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
#WomensRights
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Community-Based Crisis Care Beyond the Emergency Department: This paper examines the needs, motivations, experiences of people using community-based alternatives to emergency departments and explores how peer support/ lived experience are embedded in these models. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
July 4, 2026 at 11:39 PM
Community-Based Crisis Care Beyond the Emergency Department: This paper examines the needs, motivations, experiences of people using community-based alternatives to emergency departments and explores how peer support/ lived experience are embedded in these models. link.springer.com/article/10.1...
We are delighted to share this latest article exploring Australia’s evolving “crimmigration” policy in the wake of NZYQ and YBFZ. Great to have worked with Tamara Tulich and Sarah Murray on this article academic.oup.com/ijrl/article...
The changing landscape of immigration detention in Australia: preventive ‘crimmigration’ and the legislative response to NZYQ
Abstract. Australia is not alone in facing a decades-long tug of war between the courts, the executive, and parliament over migration policy. In the absenc
academic.oup.com
May 21, 2026 at 8:54 AM
We are delighted to share this latest article exploring Australia’s evolving “crimmigration” policy in the wake of NZYQ and YBFZ. Great to have worked with Tamara Tulich and Sarah Murray on this article academic.oup.com/ijrl/article...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
$6m gift to UNSW opens the door to university for refugee students. The HMJ Sassafras Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and living costs for students from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds. www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/new...
$6m gift to UNSW opens the door to university for refugee students
The HMJ Sassafras Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and living costs for students from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds.
www.unsw.edu.au
May 11, 2026 at 7:03 AM
$6m gift to UNSW opens the door to university for refugee students. The HMJ Sassafras Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and living costs for students from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds. www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/new...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
A new survey of 10,000 migrants reveals exploitation at work is the norm. Here’s how to fix it. Important new research by the Migrant Justice Institute theconversation.com/a-new-survey...
A new survey of 10,000 migrants reveals exploitation at work is the norm. Here’s how to fix it
Researchers found pervasive worker underpayment in Australia, with two-thirds of temporary visa holders paid less than they were legally owed.
theconversation.com
May 7, 2026 at 5:20 AM
A new survey of 10,000 migrants reveals exploitation at work is the norm. Here’s how to fix it. Important new research by the Migrant Justice Institute theconversation.com/a-new-survey...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Disasters displace two people every second. Yet, a draft treaty on the Protection of Persons in the event of Disasters barely refers to displacement. Our 2-page brief explains why – and how – displacement, evacuations and planned relocations should be added www.unsw.edu.au/kaldor-centr...
May 4, 2026 at 5:47 AM
Disasters displace two people every second. Yet, a draft treaty on the Protection of Persons in the event of Disasters barely refers to displacement. Our 2-page brief explains why – and how – displacement, evacuations and planned relocations should be added www.unsw.edu.au/kaldor-centr...
Undocumented migrants, legal aid and the architecture of structural exclusion www.thejusticegap.com/undocumented...
Undocumented migrants, legal aid and the architecture of structural exclusion – The Justice Gap
www.thejusticegap.com
April 30, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Undocumented migrants, legal aid and the architecture of structural exclusion www.thejusticegap.com/undocumented...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Did you catch our story in ABC News? More than 100 health workers are calling on the government to ensure people seeking asylum can access healthcare as a quiet crisis unfolds.
Healthcare is a human right. It’s time our system treated it that way.
Read the full article: https://loom.ly/yECAlQ4
Healthcare is a human right. It’s time our system treated it that way.
Read the full article: https://loom.ly/yECAlQ4
April 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Did you catch our story in ABC News? More than 100 health workers are calling on the government to ensure people seeking asylum can access healthcare as a quiet crisis unfolds.
Healthcare is a human right. It’s time our system treated it that way.
Read the full article: https://loom.ly/yECAlQ4
Healthcare is a human right. It’s time our system treated it that way.
Read the full article: https://loom.ly/yECAlQ4
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
The Evacuations Research Hub @kaldorcentre.bsky.social at UNSW Law & Justice is excited to offer two PhD scholarships in law to examine the role of evacuations in different contexts. Applications due 18 May 2026; details here: www.unsw.edu.au/law-justice/...
ARC Laureate Fellowship: PhD Scholarships on Evacuations | UNSW Sydney
UNSW Law & Justice offers two PhD scholarships for researchers who are part of the Evacuations Research Hub . Join our community of scholars today.
www.unsw.edu.au
April 2, 2026 at 5:39 AM
The Evacuations Research Hub @kaldorcentre.bsky.social at UNSW Law & Justice is excited to offer two PhD scholarships in law to examine the role of evacuations in different contexts. Applications due 18 May 2026; details here: www.unsw.edu.au/law-justice/...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Global catastrophic events have local impact. People with cultural, social and emotional ties to the Middle East may be experiencing distress as events continue to unfold. Here’s a short piece written with @maryannekenny.bsky.social that may be helpful. theconversation.com/how-to-look-...
How to look after your mental health right now if you have family in the Middle East or another conflict zone
In times like these, validation, human connection and support are some of the best things you can do to protect your own and other people’s mental health.
theconversation.com
March 31, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Global catastrophic events have local impact. People with cultural, social and emotional ties to the Middle East may be experiencing distress as events continue to unfold. Here’s a short piece written with @maryannekenny.bsky.social that may be helpful. theconversation.com/how-to-look-...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Our best wishes go out to the members of Iran’s women’s football team granted protection in Australia.
Team members could face serious repercussions at home after acts seen as dissent. @sydmorningherald.bsky.social @danghez.bsky.social @maryannekenny.bsky.social
www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
Team members could face serious repercussions at home after acts seen as dissent. @sydmorningherald.bsky.social @danghez.bsky.social @maryannekenny.bsky.social
www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
Iran’s brave players have stood tall. Now Australia must stand with them
Both Australia and the Asian Football Confederation are being tested, not just on the pitch, but on whether they will protect the basic rights of athletes who have already shown immense courage.
www.smh.com.au
March 9, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Our best wishes go out to the members of Iran’s women’s football team granted protection in Australia.
Team members could face serious repercussions at home after acts seen as dissent. @sydmorningherald.bsky.social @danghez.bsky.social @maryannekenny.bsky.social
www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
Team members could face serious repercussions at home after acts seen as dissent. @sydmorningherald.bsky.social @danghez.bsky.social @maryannekenny.bsky.social
www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Brave on the pitch. Uncertain off it.
@danghez.bsky.social & @maryannekenny.bsky.social argue Australia must ensure Iran’s women footballers can safely decide their future if returning home could put them at risk.
Read in the @sydmorningherald.bsky.social: www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
@danghez.bsky.social & @maryannekenny.bsky.social argue Australia must ensure Iran’s women footballers can safely decide their future if returning home could put them at risk.
Read in the @sydmorningherald.bsky.social: www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
Iran’s brave players have stood tall. Now Australia must stand with them
Both Australia and the Asian Football Confederation are being tested, not just on the pitch, but on whether they will protect the basic rights of athletes who have already shown immense courage.
www.smh.com.au
March 9, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Brave on the pitch. Uncertain off it.
@danghez.bsky.social & @maryannekenny.bsky.social argue Australia must ensure Iran’s women footballers can safely decide their future if returning home could put them at risk.
Read in the @sydmorningherald.bsky.social: www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
@danghez.bsky.social & @maryannekenny.bsky.social argue Australia must ensure Iran’s women footballers can safely decide their future if returning home could put them at risk.
Read in the @sydmorningherald.bsky.social: www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
"Every player must be seen privately, informed of her rights, and given genuine access to independent legal advice, free from surveillance and free from coercion" Important analysis from @kaldorcentre.bsky.social Director Daniel Ghezelbash & @maryannekenny.bsky.social
www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
Iran’s brave players have stood tall. Now Australia must stand with them
Both Australia and the Asian Football Confederation are being tested, not just on the pitch, but on whether they will protect the basic rights of athletes who have already shown immense courage.
www.smh.com.au
March 9, 2026 at 11:24 AM
"Every player must be seen privately, informed of her rights, and given genuine access to independent legal advice, free from surveillance and free from coercion" Important analysis from @kaldorcentre.bsky.social Director Daniel Ghezelbash & @maryannekenny.bsky.social
www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
www.smh.com.au/national/ira...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
What protections exist if athletes fear persecution at home?
Kaldor Centre Director @danghez.bsky.social speaks to @theguardian.com about the safety fears facing the #Iran women's national football team and the legal obligations that may arise for Australia.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Kaldor Centre Director @danghez.bsky.social speaks to @theguardian.com about the safety fears facing the #Iran women's national football team and the legal obligations that may arise for Australia.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Time is running out for the Iranian women’s football team as fears for their safety grow | Jack Snape
There are urgent calls for Australia to take action before the team return to Iran but with no word from the players themselves the situation is fraught and uncertain
www.theguardian.com
March 9, 2026 at 5:26 AM
What protections exist if athletes fear persecution at home?
Kaldor Centre Director @danghez.bsky.social speaks to @theguardian.com about the safety fears facing the #Iran women's national football team and the legal obligations that may arise for Australia.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Kaldor Centre Director @danghez.bsky.social speaks to @theguardian.com about the safety fears facing the #Iran women's national football team and the legal obligations that may arise for Australia.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
From last week: New report calls for overhaul of flawed age assessment process for unaccompanied children | Jasmine Quiller-Doust
New report calls for overhaul of flawed age assessment process for unaccompanied children - Free Movement
A briefing on the National Age Assessment Board raises concerns about poor decision making in the age determination process, putting hundreds of children at
freemovement.org.uk
March 3, 2026 at 1:32 PM
From last week: New report calls for overhaul of flawed age assessment process for unaccompanied children | Jasmine Quiller-Doust
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
People with emotional ties to the Middle East may experience distress watching unfolding events. Global catastrophic events have local significance and impact, alongside concern about the safety of loved ones. Here is a short piece that some may find helpful. theconversation.com/how-to-look-...
How to look after your mental health right now if you have family in the Middle East or another conflict zone
In times like these, validation, human connection and support are some of the best things you can do to protect your own and other people’s mental health.
theconversation.com
March 3, 2026 at 11:17 AM
People with emotional ties to the Middle East may experience distress watching unfolding events. Global catastrophic events have local significance and impact, alongside concern about the safety of loved ones. Here is a short piece that some may find helpful. theconversation.com/how-to-look-...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
"The most important part of the international refugee protection order is the principle that it provides protection."
My piece for @bylinetimes.bsky.social on how inhumane and counterproductive Labour's latest changes to the asylum system are in every possible way.
bylinetimes.com/2026/03/03/s...
My piece for @bylinetimes.bsky.social on how inhumane and counterproductive Labour's latest changes to the asylum system are in every possible way.
bylinetimes.com/2026/03/03/s...
'Shabana Mahmood’s Asylum Plans Will Put Lives at Risk for No Purpose'
The Government talks about wanting to reduce division and increase integration and then implements policies which will do the complete opposite, argues Daniel Sohege
bylinetimes.com
March 3, 2026 at 12:42 PM
"The most important part of the international refugee protection order is the principle that it provides protection."
My piece for @bylinetimes.bsky.social on how inhumane and counterproductive Labour's latest changes to the asylum system are in every possible way.
bylinetimes.com/2026/03/03/s...
My piece for @bylinetimes.bsky.social on how inhumane and counterproductive Labour's latest changes to the asylum system are in every possible way.
bylinetimes.com/2026/03/03/s...
People with close personal or family connections to the Middle East may feel deep distress right now. Global crises are not distant for everyone. The short piece below written with and led by @nicholasprocter.bsky.social may offer some support.
theconversation.com/how-to-look-...
theconversation.com/how-to-look-...
How to look after your mental health right now if you have family in the Middle East or another conflict zone
In times like these, validation, human connection and support are some of the best things you can do to protect your own and other people’s mental health.
theconversation.com
March 3, 2026 at 12:50 PM
People with close personal or family connections to the Middle East may feel deep distress right now. Global crises are not distant for everyone. The short piece below written with and led by @nicholasprocter.bsky.social may offer some support.
theconversation.com/how-to-look-...
theconversation.com/how-to-look-...
Reposted by Mary Anne Kenny
Deaths in channel are preventable, but require governments to focus on ensuring people can seek asylum. It's repeatedly shown that hostile measures increase death tolls. Labour's decision to halt family reunification alone is already putting more children at risk.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Deaths of 22 children in Channel due to ‘catastrophic failure’ by UK and France, NGO says
Project Play finds UK taxpayers are funding ‘record child fatalities’ and ‘repeated violence’ against children in northern France
www.theguardian.com
February 28, 2026 at 8:05 AM
Deaths in channel are preventable, but require governments to focus on ensuring people can seek asylum. It's repeatedly shown that hostile measures increase death tolls. Labour's decision to halt family reunification alone is already putting more children at risk.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...