6 October 2026 The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has expressed disappointment at the Liberal-National Coalition’s announcement that it would halve the refugee intake from the current 20,000 places to 10,000 if...
Media centre
The Refugee Council of Australia often speaks to the media. We can provide background and comment on issues of the day. We have a number of staff who are experts on almost all areas of refugee policy.
We also regularly issue media releases.
Our latest media releases
Minister’s migration policy speech leaves refugee protection questions unanswered
17 September 2026 Today’s National Press Club address by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke leaves critical questions about the future of Australia’s refugee protection policies, the Refugee Council of...
Government recycles past failed policy with plan for time limit on asylum claims
11 September 2026 The Albanese Government would be reviving a failed policy abolished by the Rudd Government in 2009 if it reintroduced time limits on claims for refugee protection, the Refugee Council of Australia...
Who you can talk to
Our experts
Adama Kamara, Co-Chief Executive Officer
Paul Power, Co-Chief Executive Officer
Topics: Breaking news, major international stories, refugee communities, the national picture, the refugee sector, and more.
Our policy experts
Rebecca Eckard, Director of Policy
Topics: People seeking asylum in Australia, Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS), Healthcare, Refugee and Humanitarian Program, Australia's refugee and asylum policies
Dr Louise Olliff, Senior Policy Advisor
Topics: Refugee and Humanitarian Program, Complementary Pathways, Diaspora development, Humanitarianism
Dr Graham Thom, Advocacy Coordinator
Topics: Immigration detention, Offshore processing, International refugee issues, including matters related to Rohingya displacement and Myanmar, Refugee resettlement
Dr Shaheen Whyte, Senior Policy Officer
Topics: People seeking asylum in Australia, Employment and training, Housing, Australia's refugee and asylum policies
Hot topics
Statistics
Statistics on refugees resettled in Australia
Who does Australia resettle under Australia's Refugee and Humanitarian Program? Who applies for and is granted a visa? How long does it take?
Background information
Shaping the future of employment services
August 2026 Employment services have the potential play a crucial role in supporting people from refugee backgrounds to make the transition to work in Australia. However, RCOA has consistently heard from refugee and...
Reports
How Australia can Support Refugee Protection in Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, over 400,000 refugees and asylum seekers face significant humanitarian challenges. This report details Australia’s strategy to enhance regional refugee protection, driven by humanitarian...
