PrintPayments to the Australian Red Cross Society for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme
Objective
Provide financial assistance to eligible asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their Protection visa application.
Description
The Australian Red Cross has administered the Asylum Seeker Assistance (ASA) scheme under agreements with the Australian Government since 4 January 1993. The ASA scheme provides financial and other assistance to asylum seekers, determined by the Australian Red Cross to be without means of support and disposable assets. The ASA scheme provides assistance for basic food, shelter and health care. The rate of financial assistance is capped at 89 per cent of equivalent Special Benefit payments.
Eligibility for ASA includes both primary and review applicants in financial hardship who cannot meet their basic needs and who have no continuing and adequate support. Eligibility for ASA occurs where a decision is not made on a Protection visa application within six months or where the client meets exemption criteria which allow immediate access to ASA. The criteria ensure that the elderly, minors, young families, the ill (including those suffering after torture or trauma) and those who care for these groups can be assisted without delay. Assistance at the review stage is also available where these clients meet these criteria.
The ASA scheme also provides assistance to asylum seekers who are ineligible for ongoing income support but who cannot afford to pay for their health examination. This ensures that there is no financial impediment to obtaining protection under the United Nations 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, as amended by the Refugees Protocol 1967.
Performance
In 2007–08, there were 1867 people assisted under the ASA scheme at a cost of $4.79 million compared to 1780 people assisted at a cost of $4.64 million in 2006–07. This equates to a 4.9 per cent increase in client numbers and a 3.2 per cent increase in costs compared to 2006–07. The increases were within expected parameters and included a one-off overhaul and update of IT support and links in the Red Cross.
Table 63: Payments to the Australian Red Cross for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme—performance information| Measures | Results |
|---|---|
| Quantity | |
| 1 000 people assisted (estimated) | 1 867 |
| Quality | |
| Payments are made by the Australian Red Cross Society to eligible asylum seekers in accordance with contractual obligations | Contract obligations met |
