A delegation of mayors and councillors has landed in the nation’s capital to deliver a joint letter and a message to Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, ahead of the Federal Budget.
The message from the Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum (Back Your Neighbour Campaign) calls for “urgent intervention” on behalf of “100,000 people who are living in the Australian community without the basic support and safety they need to build their lives”.
Delegation Lead, Mayor Jim Memeti from the City of Greater Dandenong, said it was time for the Federal Government to meet their responsibilities to people seeking asylum and extend a Federal Budget lifeline to local councils like Dandenong.
“People need stability and support to build their lives in the community. That means a fast and efficient process for assessing asylum applications and support in the meantime to help people survive. Great things happen when we support each other,” he said.
“Our delegation is delivering this joint letter from mayors and councils across Australia to the Prime Minister, calling for investment and action to support people seeking asylum and the local communities they live in.”
Mayor Memeti said the delegation was highlighting the dire conditions for many people seeking asylum, without access to Medicare, trauma counselling, work rights, education or basic financial support. Some have been waiting for almost a decade for a final decision on their refugee status, he said.
“Charities, local councils and state governments are carrying a huge financial cost due to the lack of investment from the Federal Government.
“Instead of cost-shifting, it is time for investment and action for people seeking asylum. That will be a key measure of success for us when we watch Treasurer Josh Frydenberg rise to deliver the Budget on Tuesday night,” Mayor Memeti said.
After delivering the letter to the Prime Minister this morning, the delegation plans to meet with federal parliamentarians from both major parties as well as the Greens and independents.
