In 2002, as part of Refugee Week celebrations, 15 local government areas in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia were declared Refugee Welcome Zones. Now, almost 14 years later, 87 shires and councils across Australia have demonstrated their support for those who have sought protection in Australia by declaring themselves Refugee Welcome Zones.
These zones are LGAs which have made a commitment to welcome refugees into the community, uphold their human rights, demonstrate compassion and enhance cultural and religious diversity in the community. Australia has become home to over 800,000 refugees since the end of the Second World War, and according to the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA), local government has had an important role in assisting refugee settlement and promoting community harmony. As well as taking a stand against discrimination, signing a Refugee Welcome Zone Declaration can have numerous benefits for both council and community. The declaration does not entail any formal obligations or statutory responsibilities, but rather encourages councils to create a welcoming atmosphere for refugees and assist in their integration into the community. The RCOA suggests numerous ways local government areas can support refugees, as well as information on how to become a Refugee Welcome Zone.
A recent UMR Research poll showed 60 percent of Australians would like to see the Abbott government “increase the severity of the treatment of asylum seekers”, with 59 percent opposing government welfare assistance for refugees and only 30 percent of Australians saying they believe most asylum seekers are genuine refugees. The RCOA has expressed ‘deep concern’ over the Australian government’s treatment of asylum seekers, with a freeze on permanent protection visas for asylum seekers in December called a new low. In this current political climate, it is more important than ever for local governments to demonstrate compassion and a commitment to social harmony, equality and inclusiveness by becoming Refugee Welcome Zones. Presently only two Tasmanian councils, three each in Queensland and Western Australia, and just one in Northern Territory are Refugee Welcome Zones. It would be wonderful to see all Australian councils take up the challenge to support refugees in 2014.
Information on how to become a Refugee Welcome Zone, along with case studies and numerous suggestions for how your council can support refugees, can be found at refugeecouncil.org.au/g/131219_RWZ.pdf .
