Today’s release of a new global report on forced displacement highlights the need for the Albanese Government to act on Labor’s pledge to increase Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program, the Refugee Council of...
Media & Publications
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Refugee Council of Australia kicks off Refugee Week celebrations
To celebrate Refugee Week, which runs from 18-24 June 2023, the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has coordinated a range of activities giving voice to refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia who continue to...
Budget provides no answers on Government’s plans for refugee program
Last night’s 2023-24 Federal Budget has left Australians with no answers about the Albanese Government’s plans to act on its commitment to expand the Refugee and Humanitarian Program or to reverse devastating cuts to...
Refugee Council’s Federal Budget Analysis 2023-24
2023-24 FEDERAL BUDGET: WHAT IT MEANS FOR REFUGEES AND PEOPLE SEEKING HUMANITARIAN PROTECTION Key points: The Budget papers make no comment on the size of the 2023-24 Refugee and Humanitarian Program, with indications...
UN High Commissioner for Refugees visits Australia
In April 2023, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, visited Australia for a three-day tour of meetings with Australian Government representatives, NGOs and people from refugee backgrounds...
Refugee Council of Australia helps launch first Parliamentary Friends of Refugees Group
The Refugee Council of Australia, along with key organisations and communities in the refugee sector, will support the launch of the first-ever multi-party Parliamentary Friends of Refugees Group at Parliament House...
Latest publications
Opportunities for global leadership: Australia’s role in refugee resettlement and protection
In May 2023, RCOA made a submission to the Department of Home Affairs consultation on the Refugee and Humanitarian Program. Having provided detailed feedback to the Australian Government on directions for the Refugee...
Submission to the Attorney-General’s Administrative Review Reform
The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) and our members welcome the establishment of a new administrative review system. For many years, we have highlighted ongoing concerns with the current Administrative Appeals...
Submission on the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Bill 2023
The Refugee Council of Australia made a submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Education And Employment concerning the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Protecting Worker Entitlements) Bill 2023. RCOA welcomes...
Submission to the ‘Migration, Pathway to Nation Building’ Inquiry
The Refugee Council of Australia’s made a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration’s inquiry into Migration, Pathway to Nation Building. Australia has welcomed 950,000 refugees and...
Submission to the review of the Workforce Australia employment services system
Since the Refugee Council of Australia began its work in 1981, we have consistently seen and documented how refugees who come to Australia and seek protection or who are resettled, are strongly motivated to rebuild...
Complementary pathways for refugees: Policy principles
Australia has established, is piloting or has the potential to introduce a range of complementary migration pathways for refugees and others in humanitarian need beyond Australia’s long-standing and vital commitment to...
Refugee Response Index Australia Review: Making the international refugee system work (Pillar 6)
The following presents the key findings from the application of the Refugee Response Index (RRI) to the Australia context, focusing on Pillar 6 of the RRI: Making the international refugee system work. Refugee Response...
Refugee Response Index Australia Review: Towards durable solutions (Pillar 5)
The following presents the key findings from the application of the Refugee Response Index (RRI) to the Australia context, focusing on Pillar 5 of the RRI: Towards durable solutions. Refugee Response Index (RRI)...
Refugee Response Index Australia Review: Recognition as refugees (Pillar 2)
This report presents interim findings from the application of the Refugee Response Index (RRI) to the Australia context, focusing on Pillar 1 of the RRI on ‘Access to Asylum’. The RRI is a civil society led initiative...
Breaking the link between onshore protection and offshore resettlement
How separating onshore refugee protection visas from overseas humanitarian resettlement will help address Australia’s messy visa system For over 25 years, there has been an artificially constructed link between the...
Industry accreditation as a barrier to employment: A case study – Dentistry
Policy Brief As the Australian Government considers how to create pathways to more employment opportunities for more Australians in the context of low unemployment rates and significant skills shortages,[1] this brief...
Submission on the Migration Amendment (Evacuation To Safety) Bill 2023
The Refugee Council urges Federal Parliamentarians to support this Bill to evacuate people held in offshore processing to safety while they wait for a durable solution. This Bill sets out a constructive option...