Support people seeking asylum
Safety net cut for people seeking asylum
The Brotherhood of St Laurence has been assisting refugees and migrants for more than half a century.
We are deeply concerned about the Australian Government’s recent policy change which will cut off the very modest income support available for people seeking asylum who are living in our community. This change to the Status Resolution Support Services is hurting some of the most vulnerable people as they await processing of their refugee applications.
We know from the programs we run that people seeking asylum are highly motivated to gain jobs and become independent so they can build better futures. The loss of the safety net – the payment is 89% of the Newstart Allowance – will make it even harder to find work. This measure runs counter to the cherished Australian value of the ‘fair go’ for all.
Some of the affected people have lived in Australia for several years. They are our neighbours and friends. They are members of our community who should be treated with dignity and respect.
The Brotherhood is working with a range of community partners to call on the Australian Government to reinstate a safety net for people seeking asylum.
Given the Chance - Money well spent
For every dollar spent on supporting an asylum seeker to find work, there is a $3 benefit. That is the conclusion of an independent analysis by auditors KPMG of the Brotherhood’s Given the Chance program.
Overall program benefits are more than $7 million. This benefit is shared between the Federal Government (in taxation revenue and reduced welfare payments) and program participants (via increased personal income).
Read the report and find out more in this short video.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence supports people seeking asylum.
