Latest News

Expanded excision law a new low in refugee protection

The international system of asylum would collapse if other countries followed the lead of Australia in passing legislation to expand its excision policy to the entire country. Read more here.

Right to work fundamental for asylum seeker families

Bridging visas issued to asylum seeker families who arrive by boat must include the right to work to ensure vulnerable people are not left destitute. Read more here.

Detention of children no longer a last resort

The Australian Government is walking further away from its commitment to use detention as a last resort for minors by confirming plans to send children to immigration detention facilities in Darwin and Western Australia. Read more here.

People displaced by climate change require new solutions

The crisis responses necessary and available to refugees will not be an answer to future displacement caused by climate change, the Refugee Council of Australia said today. Read more here.

Government urged to release children from Manus Island detention

RCOA has backed a call by Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers member Paris Aristotle for the Australian Government to ur gently review the policy of keeping children in immigration detention on Manus Island. Read our media release here.

Parliament urged to support Bill to resolve indefinite detention

RCOA has encouraged a Senate Committee to support a Bill before the Australian Parliament to provide alternatives to the prolonged and indefinite detention of recognised refugees with adverse ASIO security assessments. Read more here.

Opposition's denial of appeal rights more punishment for asylum seekers

The Australian Opposition's proposal to deny asylum seekers arriving by boat access to an independent review of their refugee claim is further discrimination based on their mode of arrival. Read more here.

2013-14 Intake Submission released

RCOA's submission on the 2013-14 Refugee and Humanitarian Program is now available for download here. The submission focuses on international refugee needs, the recommendations of the Expert Panel on asylum seekers and community processing of asylum seekers.

Regional refugee protection in Asia-Pacific is unfinished business

The Australian Government must step up efforts to improve the inadequate levels of protection faced by refugees and asylum seekers that drive the movement of dangerous boat journeys from Asia to Australia. Read more here.

Detention of asylum seekers

Australia is now moving towards a fairer system of immigraton detention - but more still needs to be done.

Read more about: Mandatory detention

Refugee Week events calendar: New South Wales

Sydney launch of Refugee Week - 15 June

The Sydney Refugee Week launch will be held on Saturday 15 June from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Pitt Street Uniting Church (264 Pitt Street, Sydney). It will feature the Dario Palermo Refugee Art Exhibition, presentation of 2013 Refugee Humanitarian Awards, a screening of the Australian Refugee Film Festival, speakers and entertainment. All members and supporters of RCOA are invited to attend.

No Crime to Seek Asylum
Sunday 16 June, Sydney
Speakers, including Les Murray, a former Manus Island worker and representatives from the Hazara and Tamil communities, will advocate for humane refugee and asylum policies.
Details: 1pm; Sydney Town Hall. For further information contact Mark on 0422 078 376. For updates visit http://www.refugeeaction.org.au/.

Refugee Week Film Screening
Wednesday 19 June, Sutherland
A screening of the 2012 Winner of the European Independent Film Festival Best Documentary Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea will be introduced by an Amnesty International representative and be followed by a Q and A session. Refreshments will be provided.
Details: Free, gold coin donation to Amnesty International appreciated; 7.00pm; Sutherland Library, 30-36 Belmont Street, Sutherland Bookings essential. Contact 02 9710 0351 or library@ssc.nsw.gov.au .

Refugee Week Morning Tea/Tour of "Immersed" Photography Exhibition and Screening of refugee documentary
Wednesday 19 June, Auburn
"Immersed" is a multimedia exhibition featuring photographic portraits of local refugees by George Voulgaropoulos and a refugee documentary telling the stories of local refugees in our community. The exhibition will be on display between 1 June and 21 July during gallery opening hours.
Details: 10.00am-11.30am; Peacock Gallery, Auburn Botanic Gardens, corner Chiswick and Chisholm Roads, Auburn. Contact Merryn Howell on 02 9735 1235 or merryn.howell@auburn.nsw.gov.au. Details at http://www.auburn.nsw.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx.

Stop the boats - or stop the hype?
Thursday 20 June, Sydney
ABC Stateline host Quentin Dempster leads a panel of speakers, including journalist Steve Pennells, writer Robin de Crespigny and barrister and film-maker Jessie Taylor, to discuss what role reporters play in shaping the public debate about asylum seekers and perpetuating or countering popular myths. The event includes a screening of Jessie Taylor's award-winning documentary "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"
Details: 6.00pm; Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library of NSW, Sydney Bookings essential. RSVP to 02 9273 1414 or visit https://www4.sl.nsw.gov.au/events/walkley_media_talk_200613.

Afternoon Tea and Information Session
Thursday 20 June, San Remo
The San Remo Neighbourhood Centre and Northern Settlement Services are holding a Restoring Hope afternoon tea to celebrate Refugee Week. The afternoon includes a short movie, visual presentation and free afternoon tea.
Details: 2.00pm-3.30pm; The San Remo Neighbourhood Centre, 28 Brava Avenue North, San Remo. Further details available at 02 4390 7888 and cathy@sanremo.org.au.

Refugee Review Tribunal Open Day
Friday 21 June, Sydney
Sessions include a staged Refugee Review Tribunal hearing and presentations on the role of tribunal members. Members and staff will be available to answer questions. Refreshments are provided.
Details: 1pm; Level 17, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney. Enquiries to Yvonne Vickers on 02 9276 5404. RSVP to MRT-RRT.OpenDays@mrt-rrt.gov.au

Refugee Week Community and Family Event
Friday 21 June, Wagga Wagga
The Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga and other services are hosting a family celebration to celebrate cultural diversity. Activities include rides, farm animal displays, stalls, face painting and activities for kid, cultural performances and more.
Details: 11.00am-3.00pm; Wagga Wagga Showgrounds. Contact Jessica Boatwright on 02 6921 6666 or jessica.boatwright@mcww.org.au. Details at http://www.mcww.org.au/.

Walk Together Newcastle
Saturday 22 June, Newcastle
Walk Together celebrates diversity and presents a picture to our leaders and media of the Australia that is possible - an Australia that recognises in its public debate, media and laws that "if we're all people, we're all equal". Entertainment includes a cultural festival with music, dance, art, crafts and food.
Details: 1.00pm-4.00pm; Meet at Newcastle Museum, Workshop Way and walk to Civic Park, corner Darby and King streets, Newcastle. Further details at http://www.welcometoaustralia.org.au/walktogether.