[Edited extract from public address]
Since World War II, Australia has welcomed more than 800,000 people who’ve fled war and persecution. These people have contributed to our communities and our country on every level, from our culture to our sporting traditions, from medicine to the law, from science and research to our global reputation for excellence in the culinary arts.
Yet earlier this year, the federal government outlined a plan to cut support from up to 7,000 people who had come to Australia fleeing war and persecution. The scheme currently provides payments to asylum seekers living in the community while the federal government finalises their protection claim. Without these support programs, thousands of people seeking asylum will become homeless or destitute, forcing them to use already overstretched council and charity sector services.
Because when we back our neighbours, they give back.
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Back Your Neighbour campaign
Email: media@backyourneighbour.com.au
Website: www.backyourneighbour.com.au
Join us in declaring it’s time to back our neighbours, friends and communities against cruel support cuts
We should be supporting people fleeing war and persecution to land on their feet. Help us show the government that we stand against cuts that will push thousands into poverty and homelessness.Since World War II, Australia has welcomed more than 800,000 people who’ve fled war and persecution. These people have contributed to our communities and our country on every level, from our culture to our sporting traditions, from medicine to the law, from science and research to our global reputation for excellence in the culinary arts.
Yet earlier this year, the federal government outlined a plan to cut support from up to 7,000 people who had come to Australia fleeing war and persecution. The scheme currently provides payments to asylum seekers living in the community while the federal government finalises their protection claim. Without these support programs, thousands of people seeking asylum will become homeless or destitute, forcing them to use already overstretched council and charity sector services.
The government is withdrawing support services for people living in our communities who have fled war and persecution, including financial support and trauma counselling from victims of torture.We are calling on Australians to tell the federal government that we don’t need to cut the SRSS program, that we don’t need to put many people – who might otherwise become our doctors, nurses, lawyers, colleagues, friends and neighbours – out on the streets.
Because when we back our neighbours, they give back.
Sign the petition
MORE:
Back Your Neighbour campaign
Email: media@backyourneighbour.com.au
Website: www.backyourneighbour.com.au