TPV Entitlements Meet or Exceed That Available to Many Australians

Letter to the Editor - The Adelaide Advertiser
15 October 2003

Dear Sir/Madam

Allegations that recipients of Australian Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) have virtually no access to welfare benefits (Refugees in Poverty Trap - October 14, 2003) are patently untrue.

The people who are granted Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) have access to a range of health, financial, and work related services.

Help in finding work is provided through the Job Network from Centrelink. Financial assistance is available through eligibility for such benefits as the Special Benefit, Rent Assistance, and the Family Tax Benefit. TPV holders have access to a full range of health services ranging from Medicare and the Early Health Assessment and Intervention Program through to torture and trauma counselling if it is needed.

Many of the services to which TPV holders have access meet or exceed those available to many Australians.

Stewart Foster
Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA