What happens when you flee African war for Sydney Confusion, 27/02/06

Letter to the Editor - The Daily Telegraph
28 February 2006

Dear Sir/Madam

Your report on African refugees incorrectly claims that humanitarian entrants are not entitled to any Federal Government assistance (What happens when you flee African war for Sydney Confusion, 27/02/06).

The fact is that intensive initial assistance is provided to people who enter as refugees, including on-arrival accommodation, a package of household goods, access to professional counselling, information and orientation to their new community and English language classes.

Special Humanitarian Program (SHP) entrants are sponsored by family, friends or community organisations. They can, however, receive settlement assistance as outlined above if their sponsors are not able to help them settle and they also have access to English language classes.

As permanent residents, refugees and SHP entrants also have full access to Medicare, Centrelink and Job Network and all other services available to Australian residents.

Susie van den Heuvel
Deputy National Communications Manager
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs