News

MPs pushing for increase in refugee intake

WITH many Afghans now finding themselves in a perilous situation, a group of State MPs including Auburn’s Lynda Voltz and Granville’s Julia Finn, has called for an increase in Australia’s refugee intake from Afghanistan.

Their joint statement to Federal Parliament highlights Australia’s “proud history of providing safe haven” to displaced persons and the “urgent need to ensure a co-ordinated international response both for those at great risk who remain within Afghanistan, alongside those who have fled in the face of the Taliban and are now displaced”.
NSW is now home to a large Afghan community who have been saddened and desperate for family members left behind following the withdrawal of Coalition forces and the resurgence of the Taliban.
Ms Voltz said it was an important signal to Federal Parliament that NSW stands ready to support Australian Afghans and their families.
“Australia has a proud history of successful resettlement for displaced people, whether that be after World War II, the Vietnam War or the conflicts in Syria and Iran,” she said.
“It is important, particularly following the withdrawal of Australian Forces, that we do all we can to continue to offer protection for the persecuted minorities and women still facing great risk.
“I proudly represent a strong and vibrant Afghan community in Auburn; I’ve seen the toll this has taken on constituents in my area and urge the Federal Government to take up the call in the Joint Statement to increase the intake and provide certainty.”
Ms Finn says Australia’s announcement of a willingness to receive 3,000 Afghan refugee is welcome but it falls well short of the commitments made by other coalition partners in Afghanistan.