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.

A vital national voice for refugees since 1981

RCOA was founded in 1981 by Paul Cullen (left), pictured here receiving the prestigious Nansen Refugee Award from the then UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Poul Hartling.

Read more about: RCOA's history

Refugee Week events calendar: Victoria

Refugee Week at Westall
Friday 14 June
This event will feature cultural performances and displays.
Details: 4.30pm-7.00pm; Westall Hall;Bookings are essential. Contact Kate Daddo on 03 9581 4734 or kate.daddo@kingston.vic.gov.au.

Refugee Review Tribunal Open Day
Monday 17 June, Melbourne.
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: 9.30am and 1.00pm; Hearing Room 7, Level 12, 460 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Enquiries to MRT-RRT.OpenDays@mrt-rrt.gov.au.

Refugee Week at Clayton
Wednesday 19 June, Clayton
An Expo-style Refugee Week presentation with information sessions, light lunch and refreshments.
Details: 10.00am-1.00pm; Clayton Community Centre, 9-15 Cooke Street, Clayton.RSVP to Amara Hamid on 03 9518 3241 or amarah@monash.vic.gov.au. Details at http://monash.vic.gov.au/.

Peace Palette Presents "War Witch"
Wednesday 19 June, Melbourne
Peace Palette is hosting the Academy Award-nominated film "War Witch" - a compelling film about a 12-year-old girl in war-torn community and her engrossing account of being a child soldier. The story will be followed by David Nyuol Vincent who will share his personal story from child soldier and refugee to Peace Palette founder and author of "The Boy That Wouldn't Die". Proceeds benefit Peace Palette's Nhomlau Children's Centre in South Sudan. Entertainment by South Sudanese performers and light supper included.
Details: $30 adult, $25 concession; 6.00pm; Kino Cinema, 45 Collins Street, Melbourne. Contact Aya Ono at aya@peacepalette.org. RSVP to http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=48859.

Stories of the World - a short film by young refugees
Thursday 20 June, Broadmeadows
A short film screened by the Ethnic Youth Council, offering an insight into the lives of young refugees who have sought asylum in Australia.
Details: 3.30pm-5.00pm; Broadmeadows Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows. Contact Amona Hassab on 03 9301 7400 or amonah@spectrumvic.org.au. Further information at http://www.spectrumvic.org.au/.