Asylum seekers don't receive Centrelink benefits

Letter to the Editor – Fraser Coast Chronicle
22 July 2010

Dear Sir/Madam

The letter published in the Fraser Coast Chronicle (Why are they given benefits? 17/6/2001) raises again a few myths that have been circulating for some time about the benefits to which asylum seekers are entitled, and the assistance they are given to settle into society once found to be genuine refugees.

The figure mentioned in the letter of a $50 000 benefit paid by Centrelink to asylum seekers is completely incorrect. Asylum seekers, while in detention undergoing the processing of their claims, are not entitled to Centrelink social security benefits.

Until such time as an asylum seeker is determined to be a refugee, as defined by the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), or returned home, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is solely responsible for the care of detainees.

If an asylum seeker is ultimately found to be a refugee and granted a visa, they then become a permanent resident and have access to exactly the same entitlements as any other resident or citizen of Australia: no more, no less.

To assist with the settlement of refugees, DIAC programs such as the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS) are available to humanitarian newcomers, which includes short term rent assistance, help finding long-term accommodation, provision of some basic homewares, English language lessons and trauma counselling, if required.

It is important to acknowledge that many refugees have fled harrowing circumstances and it is one of our nation's great strengths that we provide humanitarian entrants the support and assistance they need to successfully integrate into the community.

For some time now, misinformation has been circulating among the community, much of it generated by a hoax email that originated in Canada, claiming refugees receive more benefits than pensioners. The recent television coverage which seems to have prompted the letter Why are they given benefits? reported the benefits for which pensioners and others are eligible.

Yours sincerely,
Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager
Department of Immigration and Citizenship

22 July 2010