Sri Lankan refugee Neil Para is walking 1000 kilometres to raise awareness of refugees in Australia, particularly those facing visa problems. Photo: Neil Para Facebook
14 August 2023
Christina Persico
Australia has announced the number of people resettled under its Humanitarian Program has increased to 20,000 a year, up from just under 18,000.
The move has been welcomed by a refugee, who is part-way through a 1000km advocacy walk - but he wants to see more.
Australia's Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, said the Anthony Albanese-led Government reaffirms its commitment to those in need with an increase in the Humanitarian Program annual intake.
But policy for the offshore detention programme - known as Operation Sovereign Borders - remains unchanged.
"With more people displaced worldwide than ever before, the Albanese Labor Government is stepping up to play its part in the global resettlement effort in a responsible way," Giles said in a statement.
"This responsibility extends beyond their arrival, by providing robust support to refugees to ensure they are well equipped to settle into Australia and rebuild their lives with certainty."
Refugee Neil Para and the coalition of refugee groups supporting him have welcomed the increase in the intake.
Para formed the Union of Australian Refugees this year to help give refugees a voice and is walking 1000km to Albanese's electorate office in Sydney to raise awareness of their plight, especially those with no visas or visas that don't give them certainty.
"That is why we formed the Union; we are a voice for refugees who are already in Australia," Para said.
"We welcome the minister's announcement, but we want the minister to please end the uncertainty for those who are already here."
Para has lived in Australia for 11 years with his wife and three daughters, and without a permanent visa.
He will present a petition to Albanese's office at the end of his walk.
His youngest daughter, Nive, has a Medicare card as she was born in Australia and is a citizen, but Para said she does not have the same rights as other Australian children.
Ian Rintoul from the Refugee Action Coalition said they also welcomed the increase, but they were mindful there are around 10,000 refugees already in Australia needing permanent visas.
Sri Lankan refugee Neil Para is walking 1000 kilometres to raise awareness of refugees in Australia, particularly those facing visa problems. Photo: Neil Para Facebook
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