Working with Refugees Eira Clapton and Claire Kartisidimas

CARAD is an independent not-for-profit organisation working with people of refugee background who now live in Western Australia Since 2000 CARAD has assisted more than 5000 refugees and asylum seekers About CARAD

CARAD’s Key Aim: To advocate for fair and compassionate processing for asylum seekers who reach our shores. Management committee, staff and volunteers work very hard to provide a sense of welcome and support

How was it formed? –CARAD was formed in 2000 as a response to TPVs. We started providing basic settlement assistance and support to refugees holding TPVs. –CARAD has evolved to become the agency of last resort for community based asylum seekers

Who are our clients? –Refugees –Asylum Seekers –From what countries?

Australia and Refugees Let’s get the terminology right: Who is a Refugee? Any person who owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his/her nationality and is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country. (1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees )

Who is an asylum seeker? Someone who has put an asylum claim to DIAC asking for protection because they believe that they are a refugee.

Nauru and Manus Island Whether asylum seekers arrived in Australia by boat or by plane, whether they have identity papers or not – they are not illegal. They are exercising their right under Australian and international law to seek asylum. Truth vs Myths

Australia’s Current Refugee Program How does Australia respond? A. Offshore Refugee and Special Humanitarian program UNHCR assessed and wait many years Mostly in refugee camps Permanent residents on arrival, settlement services, Centrelink and Medicare benefits

Australia’s Current Refugee Program How does Australia respond? B. Asylum seekers Arrive by plane - Bridging visa (living in the community) during assessment times Arrive by boat - Mandatory detention during refugee status determination time (3 months – over year) Note new arrangements post 13 August 2012 Now being released into community on ‘safe haven’ visas with no access to Centrelink, but do have Medicare card. ASAS/CAS benefits set at 85% Newstart with no concession cards- no work rights for 5 years!

Government Services for Asylum Seekers Bridging visas –Many able to work, but no English –Some are not able to work (post 13 August 2013 arrivals by sea) –Many eligible for Medicare, not all Financial assistance –Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme (ASAS/CAS) –Asylum seeker assistance non- profit organisations (CARAD) socialjustice.yoink.com.au htt://

Current mandatory detention –Inhumane –Children kept in detention –Overcrowding –Poor conditions –Long processing times for refugee claims The Problem Detention is detention

Asylum seekers, if they are eligible for an allowance, have it administered by Red Cross on behalf of the Government, not by Centrelink

Why do our clients come to us?

What do we provide? –Case work and referral –Emergency relief –Accommodation –General volunteer support –English classes –Homework support

Who helps us provide these services? –Volunteers –Church groups –Donations including houses –Philanthropic bodies

Questions and answers

Most of our work is supported only by donations. All donations are Tax-deductible - go to: carad.org.au CARAD Funding

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