Released 19/06/2018
It was a pleasure to host a breakfast today to mark Refugee Week 2018. Running from 17 to 23 June, Refugee Week is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible contributions refugees make to Australia.
As a Refugee Welcome Zone, Canberra and the ACT Government proudly stand #WithRefugees and celebrate the achievements and contributions refugees make to our community.
In last ten years over 2000 refugees have called Canberra home. They make our community stronger and our city a better place to live.
The ACT Government has a longstanding commitment to welcoming and supporting people who arrive on humanitarian grounds or who are seeking asylum in our community.
In addition to being an official Refugee Welcome Zone, the ACT is part of the Commonwealth Government’s Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) Program, a temporary protection visa that allows holders to settle in designated communities through work or study.
As part of the ACT Government’s ongoing support, last week I announced funding for two English language programs and a significant employment program to help new Canberrans, including refugees and asylum seekers to improve their English language skills and gain meaningful employment.
This funding will strengthen the outstanding programs being delivered by organisations like the Multicultural Employment Services, the Canberra Institute of Technology and Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services.
This year’s Refugee Week theme, #WithRefugees speaks to the global movement required to demand the safety and the protection of refugees and their rights. It also reminds people that refugees are people like them and not just a label.
To find out more about Refugee Week visit https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases