NAVIGATION

NAVIGATION

AUST | RACS | UPDATING | Community News, and more | May 2026

[Edited extract from public address]

 In The News 

Law and policy

The Coalition announced its immigration “policy”, defined by country bans and social media vetting. RACS’s Sarah said: “it seems to reek of racism, xenophobia” while former PM Paul Keating called the policy at “primary odds with an immigrant nation.” 

In our submission to the Senate inquiry into offshore processing, RACS lawyers Mursal and Olivia stressed the irreversible harm our clients have experienced and continue to fear.

The refugee experience

Temporary visa holder Ailin spoke with A Current Affair about her life in limbo. Her story shows just how arbitrary and dehumanising Australia’s immigration policies can be for people seeking asylum. 

SBS Examines looks at the current challenges faced by today’s refugees, in a system Gillian Triggs describes as having a “dark side... which is denying access to asylum refugee status.” 

Taking Flight: a dinner in support of refugees

Our special evening in support of refugees at Kyiv Social was full of delicious food and good company. We heard from RACS clients Maggie and Mohsen, and from Centre Director and Principal Solicitor Sarah.

Meeting with Zali Steggall 

MP Zali Steggall met with RACS staff and guests at a special lunchtime event to discuss refugee rights and Australia’s response to people seeking safety. We thank her for her time, and for her consistent solidarity with refugees over the years.

Sharing pro bono expertise

Two senior Fijian lawyers visited the RACS office as part of their tour of Australian law firms and social justice organisations. The lawyers stopped by to learn more about the community legal centre model and how to develop the pro bono sector back home. Thanks for choosing to stop by RACS!

 What's Coming Up 

Walk for Justice | Tuesday 19 May 2026

We hope to see you 12pm at Queen’s Square, Sydney CBD as we walk in celebration of the enormous impact pro bono legal support has on improving access to justice.

Fundraising is still ongoing (there’s some great prizes up for grabs) and “I Walk for Justice” socks are also available to pre-order for pick up on the day.

MORE:

Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS)
Address: Eora Country, 30 Botany Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031
 
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners, Custodians and Elders of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, past, present and future, on whose traditional land we work.