We promote humane and compassionate policies for people seeking safety in Australia and around the globe. While we cannot predict the wars, conflicts and oppressive regimes that will force people to seek asylum, we can...
Latest publications
Submission into the Migration Amendment (Strengthening The Character Test) Bill 2019
Our key concerns We welcome the opportunity to restate our significant concerns about this Bill. We have consistently expressed our profound concerns about the continuing expansion of executive powers under the visa...
Momentum builds as UNHCR plans first global refugee forum
This report on Australian NGO advocacy in Geneva highlights the growing impact of refugee-led advocacy and plans to use December’s first Global Refugee Forum to build momentum behind the Global Compact on Refugees in...
A new model for community refugee sponsorship in Australia
This position paper is published by the Community Refugee Sponsorship (‘CRSI’), an independent organisation established by the Refugee Council of Australia, Save the Children Australia, Amnesty International Australia...
A new opportunity for global leadership: Options for Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program in 2019-20
Consultations for the 2019-2020 Humanitarian Program For more than 25 years, the Refugee Council of Australia has been gathering community views on the Refugee and Humanitarian Program. Every year, we conduct a series...
Submission into evaluation of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) new business model (NBM)
In December 2018 the Department of Education and Training commissioned Social Compass to conduct an evaluation of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) new business Model (NMB). RCOA welcomes the opportunity to voice...
Barriers and exclusions: The support needs of newly arrived refugees with a disability
This report focuses on the experience of refugee and humanitarian entrants arriving in Australia with a disability. Unfortunately, the increase of people arriving with a disability has not been met with appropriate...
Submission into the Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test) Bill 2018
Our key concerns We welcome the opportunity to state our significant concerns about this Bill, and to state our opposition to it in the clearest possible terms. We have consistently expressed our profound concerns about...
Until when: The forgotten men of Manus Island
This joint report, in partnership with Amnesty International, tells the story of the men who have been sent by Australia to Manus Island, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and what has happened to them after they were forcibly...
After the boats have stopped: Refugees stranded in Indonesia and Australia’s containment policies
This brief provides an overview of Australia’s role in stopping refugees leaving Indonesia en route to Australia, and highlights the precarious situation refugees now face in Indonesia.
An unnecessary penalty: Economic impacts of changes to the Status Resolution Support Services
This paper finds that the changes to Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) will force people into situations of material poverty rather than assisting them to find employment. Removing income and case management...
Refugee Alternatives: Conference Report 2018
The Refugee Council of Australia and Melbourne Social Equity Institute's conference, Refugee Alternatives: Improving policy, practice and public support, was held 13-14 February 2018. The two-day conference, hosted at...
