DIAC refutes internet claims on refugee payments
Media Release - 7 September 2007
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has refuted false claims circulating on the internet that refugees settling in Australia receive more in benefit payments than Australian pensioners.
'The figures quoted in the email bear no resemblance to income-support payments to pensioners, or to payments to refugees settling in Australia,' DIAC spokesman Sandi Logan said today.
'The text and figures in the email appear to have originated in Canadian emails, websites and internet chatrooms. We suspect that the email circulating here has been cut and pasted from these sources.
'In Australia, refugees granted permanent visas may gain access to benefits on the same basis and at the same rates as other Australian permanent residents.
'Refugees with temporary visas do not have access to the full range of benefits - they are only eligible for Centrelink Special Benefits on the same basis and rates as other Australian residents.
'There is no separate rate of benefit payments for refugees.'
Mr Logan said refugees received no cash payments under Australia’s Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy.
'DIAC helps eligible refugees with basic goods to start a household, subsidies for rent and utilities for their first four weeks in the country, English-language lessons and settling-in assistance,' he said.
'Asylum seekers in Australia who have not yet had their protection claims decided have no access to Centrelink benefits.
'The Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme administered by the Australian Red Cross provides some publicly funded financial assistance to eligible asylum seekers who are unable to meet their most basic support needs.
'We would strongly encourage anyone who receives an email claiming refugees are treated more favourably than Australian permanent residents to hit the delete button and ignore these scurrilous claims,' Mr Logan added.
Media Enquiries: DIAC National Communications (02) 6264-2244