A dangerous gap exists in Australia's refugee system that means people threatened with torture and gross human rights violations are being sent back to their country of origin after years in detention centres because they do not fit the technical definition of a 'refugee', according to this joint report. Under the current system, a person who faces danger if they return to their place of origin might slip through the gaps and only get asylum by applying for refugee status, knowing they will be rejected, apply for a second time once they are rejected and then seek ministerial intervention – which may not be granted.

The report recommends a new, fairer model of complementary protection that simplifies and speeds up the process for seeking asylum. It was developed by Amnesty International, National Council of Churches and the Refugee Council of Australia and has been endorsed by 29 organisations across Australia.