Here's what the RACS team is planning, and what we’ve been up to in the past month:
In The News
On 6 October 2026, opposition leader Angus Taylor vowed to introduce deep migration cuts over the next four years. RACS's Centre Director and Principal Solicitor Sarah Dale said: "We are disappointed to see, yet again, our refugee community being treated as a political football". Watch her full response.
After weeks of speculation, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke finally unveiled Labor's new migration plans. While there was no mention of changes for people seeking asylum, there were no assurances either.
The fight for fairness and justice for this community is far from over. RACS will continue advocating for as long as necessary with Supervising Senior Solicitor Ahmad Sawan having this to say: "Seeking asylum is neither a luxury nor a preference – it's a legal right."
What We've Been Up To
Women in Law Awards finalist!
Congratulations to RACS Women at Risk program lead Nabilah for being shortlisted in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards!
Since starting at RACS, Nabilah has overseen the development and delivery of the first-of-its-kind Safer Futures Toolkit, law reform efforts and our partnership with the Jesuit Refugee Service – all while managing the program's ever-growing caseload. Best of luck, Nabs!
Who Gets to Belong?
Thank you to everyone who came along for Who Gets to Belong: our evening of conversation with Shabnam Safa OAM, Shaun Christie-David and Sarah Malik, steered so adeptly by our wonderful MC Benjamin Law. The observations and ideas brought by each of the panelists made the night that much more meaningful and interesting.
Information session for people from Palestine
RACS lawyer Ahmad and paralegal Ben were in Yagoona to provide legal information for people arriving from Palestine. Held in partnership with the Palestinian Australians Welfare Association, sessions like these are a way communities most in need can access timely legal help.
Inspiring future lawyers and connecting with community
RACS lawyers and volunteers were busy presenting and connecting with students and community members:
- Alison spoke at Careers 2040, part of the launch of UNSW’s new Parramatta campus (top)
- Jennifer and Sakti chatted to budding human rights lawyers at the University of Sydney’s Careers Fair
- Mursal joined our friends at House of Welcome to facilitate a roundtable and panel discussion at Cumberland City’s Homelessness and Housing Forum
Celebrating pro bono support
Some shoutouts are in order!
- To the pro bono team at Norton Rose Fulbright and lawyers from their clients at Aon who came along to the RACS office to help draft protection visa submissions
- To our partners at Mallesons who recently celebrated 25 years of their community partnership program with a morning tea
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.