September 9, 2015
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed today’s announcement Australia will resettle an additional 12,000 refugees caught up in the Syrian and Iraqi humanitarian crisis.
“As a responsible, compassionate nation, it is right that Australia should do more to help people who are suffering,” Mr Chester said.
“The announcement to resettle an additional 12,000 refugees is a generous allocation, but is entirely appropriate in the circumstances. These refugees will be resettled once the appropriate health, security and character checks have been carried out.
“In addition, a total of $44 million in food, water, emergency supplies and protection will be provided by Australia to the more than 240,000 Syrian and Iraqi people who have been displaced.
“Australia has been able to provide this level of humanitarian assistance due to previous actions taken by the Coalition Government to regain control of our borders.”
The 12,000 places will be in addition to the existing humanitarian programme of 13,750, which rises to 18,750 in 2018-19.