I am writing in my capacity as President of the Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group to alert your readers to the plan to make cuts to assistance to thousands of people seeking protection while living in the Australian community.
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They will be at risk of destitution and homelessness due to the latest government move to completely cut income support for people who need it the most.
The government is planning to make cuts to the Status Resolution Support Service (SRSS) program that provides a basic living allowance (typically 89% of Newstart allowance, equating to just $247 per week), casework support, assistance in finding housing, and access to torture and trauma counselling.
People waiting for a decision about their claim for protection receive these supports
The Refugee Council of Australia points out that the people who would be affected include fathers, mothers, young people and children who are part of our schools, our workplaces, and our communities.
Many still have years before a decision will be known on their status. What are they to do in the meantime without any income?
This information comes from 95 other organisations from the refugee council to Save the Children and you can get details by accessing the web site on https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au
The government needs to take a step back and remember for a second that we are talking about people – people who have escaped war and risked death by traveling the long treacherous journey to Australia via long stays in places where they were given no status or protection and often ended up in detention centres.
They are men, women and children who are traumatised and stateless. Many remain fearful of returning to their countries and cling to hope in Australia.
These cuts are terribly short-sighted. This is not a budget-saving measure, it is a budget-shirking one.
Janette Jones, Rollands Plains