Latest News

Middle East provides an impressive lesson in hospitality

The generosity of Syria's neighbours to the outflow of more than two million refugees is a lesson in hospitality to Australia and the rest of the world. Read more here.

Expanded excision law a new low in refugee protection

The international system of asylum would collapse if other countries followed the lead of Australia in passing legislation to expand its excision policy to the entire country. Read more here.

Right to work fundamental for asylum seeker families

Bridging visas issued to asylum seeker families who arrive by boat must include the right to work to ensure vulnerable people are not left destitute. Read more here.

Detention of children no longer a last resort

The Australian Government is walking further away from its commitment to use detention as a last resort for minors by confirming plans to send children to immigration detention facilities in Darwin and Western Australia. Read more here.

People displaced by climate change require new solutions

The crisis responses necessary and available to refugees will not be an answer to future displacement caused by climate change, the Refugee Council of Australia said today. Read more here.

Government urged to release children from Manus Island detention

RCOA has backed a call by Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers member Paris Aristotle for the Australian Government to ur gently review the policy of keeping children in immigration detention on Manus Island. Read our media release here.

Opposition's denial of appeal rights more punishment for asylum seekers

The Australian Opposition's proposal to deny asylum seekers arriving by boat access to an independent review of their refugee claim is further discrimination based on their mode of arrival. Read more here.

2013-14 Intake Submission released

RCOA's submission on the 2013-14 Refugee and Humanitarian Program is now available for download here. The submission focuses on international refugee needs, the recommendations of the Expert Panel on asylum seekers and community processing of asylum seekers.

Regional refugee protection in Asia-Pacific is unfinished business

The Australian Government must step up efforts to improve the inadequate levels of protection faced by refugees and asylum seekers that drive the movement of dangerous boat journeys from Asia to Australia. Read more here.

'We forget that a lot of refugees have had a hard time.'

Journalist Michael Gawenda was born in a displaced persons camp in Austria, after his parents fled persecution in Poland.

Read more about: Michael's story

Official Refugee Week launches

NSW launch, Sydney - Saturday 15 June

The Sydney Refugee Week launch will be held on Saturday 15 June from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Pitt Street Uniting Church (264 Pitt Street, Sydney). It will feature the Dario Paler mo Refugee Art Exhibition, presentation of 2013 Refugee Humanitarian Awards, a screening of the Australian Refugee Film Festival, speakers and entertainment. All members and supporters of RCOA are invited to attend. View the invitation here.

Victoria launch, Geelong - Monday 17 June

The Victoria launch will be held in partnership with Diversitat on Monday, 17 June in Geelong. All members are supporters are invited to attend. View the invitation here.

South Australia launch, Adelaide - Monday 17 June

The launch of SA Refugee Week will include the Migrant Resource Centre of SA's 30th anniversary publication by His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR, Governor of South Australia, followed by the launch of the Youth Poster Exhibition and Awards by SA Minister for Education and Child Development and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Jennifer Rankine. The launch will be held between 2.30pm and 4.00pm at the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, Hawke Building, Level 3, UniSA, 50-55, North Terrace, Adelaide. Contact Matt Spellacy on 08 8217 9510 or admin@mrcsa.com.au