The activist group sent a letter to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection condemning the government's policies towards asylum seekers.

The letter said the government did not have a mandate to enforce Operation Sovereign Borders or to contain people in mandatory detention in Nauru, calling the policies "inhumane".

It was signed by 500 people from central Victoria and sent in February.

RAR member Jan Govett received the government's response last month, which she said didn't address the issues her group raised.

"It mentioned 'illegals' again, which was nonsense - it's not illegal to seek asylum in another country," Ms Govett said.

"It also said how generous the government is (regarding its refugee intake) and the point is we aren't being generous at all.

"That answer is totally inappropriate."

Ms Govett was referring to the government's move last year to reduce Australia's refugee intake from 20,000 to 13,750.

In the reply, the official defended the government's policies and wrote that asylum seekers were treated with dignity and respect.

"Australia has a long and proud history of resettling people from around the world who have suffered persecution or human rights abuses," the letter stated.

"This record will not change just because Australia toughens its stance on those who arrive illegally."

Ms Govett said the letter was inadequate and untruthful.

"Our biggest concern is (the government) keeps giving misinformation to the public. We do have obligations and coming to Australia is not illegal."

Ms Govett said the fact the letter attracted 500 signatures showed people cared about asylum seekers coming to Australia.

She said her group took the letter to various locations, approaching people at events and in the streets, and many were keen to sign it.

"There are a lot of people genuinely concerned about this issue," she said.

To get a copy of the government's response, email jang@sympac.com.au