Refugee aid is world-class
Letter to the Editor - Blacktown Sun
12 September 2006
Dear Sir/Madam,
Charles Boag's assertion in the article Refugees left out and still struggling that government provides "no coherent infrastructure" to settle African refugees short changes our department's role and commitment to resettlement.
The partnership among the Federal, state and territory governments and local communities has been a cornerstone of Australia's world class refugee settlement program for the past 60 years.
Humanitarian entrants are provided with intensive initial assistance under the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS) and this includes meeting at the airport, provision of initial accommodation, assistance in household management, help to find long term accommodation, a package of household goods and access to torture and trauma counselling.
On average IHSS support lasts six months but can be extended for those entrants with high needs.
As permanent residents, refugees have full access to Medicare, Centrelink and Job Network, and other services. They also have access to the Translation and Interpreter Service and up to 510 hours in English language tuition with additional tuition available for people with particular needs.
To say there is no "adequate infrastructure" to help settle some of the most vulnerable people in the world is not only wrong but also fails to recognise Australia's proud record of refugee settlement.
Yours sincerely
Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs