Refugees must not be left behind by next Federal Government

Refugees and people seeking asylum should be supported with an adequate safety net by the next Federal Government to reduce the risk of homelessness and poverty. 

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s call for greater support to address the challenges faced by refugees and people seeking asylum is one of the priority areas featured as part of its 2025 election statement – Justice & Compassion. 

Funding for Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS), one of the main forms of support for people seeking to resolve their immigration status, has decreased dramatically from around $300 million in 2015-16 to $17 million at present, resulting in thousands of refugees and people seeking asylum facing hardship and poverty. 

“The lack of funding for services to support refugees and people seeking asylum is placing an already vulnerable group at heightened risk,” said Yolanda Saiz, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW CEO. 

“We know that up to 55% of people seeking asylum have experienced some form of homelessness during their time in Australia, and this speaks to the barriers in accessing support that need to be remedied.” 

The Society is calling for SRSS access to be expanded in order to give refugees and people seeking asylum greater opportunities for economic and educational participation, along with access to healthcare. 

The Society NSW supported 238 people through its North Coast Settlement Services, funded as part of the Department of Home Affairs’ Settlement Engagement & Transition Support (SETS) program, in the last financial year. The service supports people to engage with the local community and build confidence through education and training programs, along with assistance to access local services such as housing and healthcare. Funding was also provided by the Society to support people no longer eligible for SETS. 

Additionally, 10% of crisis accommodation and case management support is allocated by the Society to people on temporary visas, irrespective of their residency or visa status. 

“We have a responsibility as a country to treat everyone with dignity and offer support in times of need,” said Peter Houweling, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW State President. 

“Our members and services are working to support people in their times of need every day, but there is much more support that could be provided to improve their quality of life. 

“My hope is that whoever leads the next Federal Government considers the hardship refugees and people seeking asylum have faced and acts compassionately so that they are not forgotten.” 

Learn more about the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW’s priorities for meeting the needs of refugees and people seeking asylum in the Justice & Compassion election statement at www.vinnies.org.au/Election2025.