TPVs were introduced by the Howard Government in 1999.

The visa grants asylum for refugees who come by boat for three to five years, with a view to returning back to their home country 'when it is safe to do so'.

The visa was abolished by the Rudd Government in 2008 but reintroduced under the Abbott government in 2015.

Federal Labor had promised to scrap TPVs if elected on May 18 in favour of permanent protection visas.

Kathryn Parle from the Mid North Coast Refugee Week described TPVs as "pure politics".

"It appears our government wants Australians to fear refugees, and continues to use this to create division and a point of difference to the Labor Party," she said.

Ms Parle said it created "continued uncertainty" for refugees who were trying to rebuild their lives after fleeing persecution.

"They worry they are still temporary and in five years they have to reapply."

The uncertainty of their situation Ms Parle said makes successful resettlement an unpredictable path.

"Many refugees have spent many years enduring state sponsored persecution.," Ms Parle said.

"Being assured that it would be safe to return simply does not compute after years or even a lifetime of living in danger and traumatic episodes when authorities are a threat and can and do act violently with impunity."

The Mid North Coast Refugee Group supports seven Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka who have resettled in Port Macquarie through pastoral support, accommodation and other logistical matters.

More Tamil refugees are expected to arrive and be welcomed in Port Macquarie in the coming year.

Ms Parle said the many refugees she has encountered are always grateful to live in Australia but struggle because of the uncertainty.

"Resettlement is a complex rebuilding of life but uncertainty, worry about family back home, adds to the struggle to find work and learn a new language.

"Many refugees live with the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, suffering sleep problems, flashbacks and physical consequences of war, imprisonment and torture.

"The first step in recovery from trauma is safety and the granting of temporary protections fails at this hurdle."

Cowper MP Patrick Conaghan was contacted for comment regarding temporary protection visas. He was unavailable.

Refugee Week runs from June 16 to June 22. The theme is 'A World of Stories', and highlights the vast experiences, skills and energy that refugees bring to a new country.

Mid North Coast Refugee Group runs 'Tamil Feast and Dance' which showcases the food and culture of the Tamil community.

The next one is on Saturday 17 August at Port Macquarie Baptist Church. For more info email mncrsg@gmail.com or phone Kathryn 0439134113.