Right now, 118 million people around the world are displaced. Yet across the world, governments are stepping back from their commitments to refugees and people seeking asylum, right when the need is at its greatest.
Australia’s commitment to refugees is similarly under threat; there is a real risk we could follow this devastating global trend. We must stand up for Australia’s promise of a fair go – for everyone.
In 2023, the Albanese Government set Australia’s annual refugee and humanitarian program at 20,000 places until June 2027. In coming months, the Labor Government – through its 94 MPs and 30 Senators – will decide whether to maintain, cut or increase the number of places for refugees from next year.
Please write to your Government MP or Senator to call for protection for Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program.
How do I write to my MP?
1. Find your nearest Labor MP or Senator here.
2. Write them a one-page physical letter and address it to:
[Name of MP or Senator]
[Title – Member for relevant electorate or Senator for relevant state/territory]
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
3. Use the special Refugee Week stamp to mail your letter.
What should I include in my letter?
1. Introduce yourself and state that you live in the MP’s electorate or the Senator’s state/territory.
E.g., My name is [Name] and I live in [Suburb]. I’m writing as a constituent concerned about the future of Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program.
2. Explain why protecting the refugee and humanitarian program matters to you personally. You might mention:
- Your belief in fairness and giving everyone a fair go
- Your faith or personal values
- Your own lived experience of displacement, or that of someone you care about
- Your pride in Australia’s long history of welcoming refugees
- The immeasurable contributions refugees make to Australian society
3. Share the facts with your MP. You might explain:
- That Australia has welcomed over a million refugees through the refugee and humanitarian program since 1947
- That these refugees have helped shaped modern Australia as employees, business owners, healthcare professionals, teachers, artists, community leaders and more
- That 118 million people worldwide are currently displaced, meaning the need for resettlement has never been greater
- That in the past year the number of refugees resettled globally has dropped by more than half, to just 81,800 in 2025, making Australia’s contribution to refugee resettlement more important than ever
- That in 2023 the Albanese Government increased Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program to 20,000 places a year for four years, an increase that was in line with Labor’s policy platform to increase the refugee program ultimately to 27,000 places and make community sponsorship visas additional; this was in contrast to the cuts proposed by then Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
- That in coming months, the Government will decide on the size of the program from July 2027.
4. Clearly make your request. You could ask your MP or Senator to:
- Support maintaining Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program
- Oppose any efforts to reduce the program
- Support expanding protection pathways, in addition to the 20,000 places currently offered by the refugee and humanitarian program
- Ensure Australia continues to play a constructive international role in refugee protection
5. Close your letter clearly and politely. You should:
- Thank your MP for their time
- Request a reply at their convenience
6. Other letter-writing tips
- The most persuasive letters are personal, so be sure to tell your own story
- Be respectful and constructive
- Avoid aggressive or accusatory language
