Back Your Neighbour – support those fleeing from war and persecution

Image of man standing at the beach in a lifesavers uniform.

Do you know there are over 5,000 people seeking asylum and their families living in communities across Australia awaiting a decision on their claim for asylum without any financial support and little or no opportunity to work?

Moreland City Council is part of a group of 30 Councils nationwide advocating for people seeking asylum living in our community left destitute by the cuts to the Status Resolution Support Services program.

Their plight was compounded by the COVID-19 situation as without any Centrelink benefits and with casual work drying up the financial position of them and their families have worsened.

As well as wanting the Federal Government to ensure a liveable income for those awaiting the decision on their claim for asylum, we have been lobbying State Governments to provide financial support.

In the case of Victoria we want a continuation of the $3 million dollars provided by the State Government last financial year and if possible an increase due to the worsening destitution.

For more information go to backyourneighbour.com.au or you can sign a petition or volunteer to help the campaign.

What is SRSS?

The Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) program provides basic support to individuals and families living in the Australian community waiting for a decision on their refugee status.

It provides help with the basics of life like housing, food, clothing, health, kinder/school costs. It also provides mental health support.

The Federal Government has a responsibility to provide support to people until they can move forward with their lives in a positive way.

Back Your Neighbour aims to:

Change the Federal Government’s current policy on the SRSS program
Increase humanitarian support from the Victorian Government
Support the Federal Opposition to maintain its new position supporting people seeking asylum in the community

Why is Merri-bek joining this campaign?

Moreland is a Refugee Welcome zone, and as part of the Moreland Human Rights Policy, we are committed to welcoming and supporting refugees and those who are seeking asylum.

Moreland is one of many local councils across Australia, joining forces to speak out on this issue.

We are proud to be a member of the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum. When we back our neighbours, they give back.