The Andrews Labor Government is stepping in and providing urgent support for more than 100 asylum seekers in Victoria after Malcolm Turnbull cut off their housing and income support.
Under changes brought in by the Turnbull Government without warning, around 400 asylum seekers living in Australia for medical treatment will be transferred to final departure visas, and expelled from Australia.
This will see them stripped of all income and housing support – leaving them homeless and with no way of feeding themselves or their family – despite having six months before they will be forced to leave the country.
To ensure the more than 100 Victorian based asylum seekers don’t starve or end up on the streets, the Labor Government will provide a $600,000 package of urgent support, including:
- A Housing Fund to cover accommodation costs, and where possible, keep people in their current accommodation
- Funding to cover costs of basic life necessities such as food, clothes, myki cards and medicines
- Case workers for those who need additional support, and where possible, maintain existing relationships with case workers and community organisations.
This support will come into effect immediately to ensure no asylum seeker is left out in the cold as a result of Malcolm Turnbull’s cruel and callous decision.
The Government will work with a number of community organisations to deliver the package, and make sure all asylum seekers and their families are getting the support, respect and help they need and deserve.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Malcolm Turnbull might be prepared to stand by and let these families starve while they wait to leave Australia – but we won’t.”
“We’re making sure these families will have a roof over their head, clothes on their back and food on the table.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott
“These are some of the most vulnerable people in our community – we have an obligation to do whatever we can to support them and their families.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020