NAVIGATION

NAVIGATION

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

[Edited extract from public address]
 
Here's what the RACS team is planning, and what we’ve been up to in the past month: 

 In The News 

 Recent reports revealed Tony Burke's plan to restrict the work and appeal rights of people seeking asylum. RACS, together with 160 other community organisations, called on the Albanese government to scrap these proposed punitive measures in a joint letter.
Previously, there were conflicting reports around whether Australia’s humanitarian intake would be slashed to 13,750 and we’re relieved that the PM has committed to at least holding places steady at 20,000.

We’ve been busy behind the scenes advocating and we’ve called on our supporters to tell their local MPs how devastating these changes would be for people seeking asylum and migrants. There is still time to do so. 

We continue to wait on any announcements about protection reform and will keep RACS Wrap subscribers in the loop.

Meanwhile, it’s been 25 years since the Tampa incident transformed Australian politics. If you haven’t already seen it, watch all three episodes of Tampa: The Turning Point
  • You can also read some law and policy commentary here and here.
"Five years after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan... We're also calling on the Australian government to continue providing protection for refugees from Afghanistan who are at risk of persecution, particularly women and girls, human rights defenders and persecuted minorities." – Zaki Haidari, Hazara refugee from Afghanistan, Amnesty International Refugee Campaigner and RACS Ambassador

 What We've Been Up To 

City2Surf

A big round of applause to our RACS Runners at the City2Surf. Thank you for wearing your "It's legal to seek asylum" t-shirts proudly and for fundraising to provide critical legal support for refugees. We are so grateful for your efforts.

Miya Miya Film Club

Big thank you also to Miya Miya Film Club, who chose to fundraise for RACS at their screening of Iranian film Hit the Road!
 
 

Events and Fundraising Support Officer (part-time contract)

We're looking for a highly organised person who is good with admin, logistics and people! You’ll be supporting our comms team with a range of events and community fundraising (peer-to-peer) initiatives.

The role would suit someone with a couple of years of experience in events and/or fundraising. 

Who gets to belong? Culture, rights and a fairer Australia A conversation with Benjamin Law, Shabnam Safa OAM, Shaun Christie-David and Sarah Malik | Monday 21 September 2026 | Arrive 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start

Join these wonderful speakers and humans as they explore what belonging means in Australia today, how our understanding of identity and community is shaped, and what we really mean when we talk about Australian values. 
  • Where: Belvoir St Theatre 
  • Considerations: Bar open from 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start.  
  • DISCOUNT: Use the code RACSWRAP to get $10 off (applied to the total at the bottom) GET $10 OFF TICKETS
  • Bookings: online via Eventbrite
 

National Forum – multiculturalism and migration

The 14 September episode of the ABC's National Forum program will discuss multiculturalism and migration. You might spot RACS Ambassador Hani and a couple of other RACS people in the live audience.

Trek for Refugees

This year’s event with Emu Trekkers is now fully booked, but please get in touch to be the first to hear about next year’s Trek, or if you’d like to discuss a private group hike for your workplace or friends.
 


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.