Minister Barr: ACT prepares to welcome Syrian refugees
- Written by ACT Government
Released 08/09/2015
Government ministers have today reaffirmed the ACT’s commitment to welcoming refugees into our community, following the Federal Government’s announcement that Australia will be increasing its quota of refugees from Syria.
“Earlier this year, the ACT was officially declared a Refugee Welcome Zone by Minister Yvette Berry. The ACT has both the capacity and the compassion to welcome those fleeing persecution in Syria”, said the ACT Chief Minister.
“The situation in Syria is devastating and we should be doing everything we can to support those desperately fleeing the ongoing civil war and cross-border conflicts in which more than 250,000 men, women and children have already died.”
ACT Greens Minister Shane Rattenbury said that the ACT has a well-documented history of supporting refugee families.
“We know the ACT is a compassionate community and we have many hard-working agencies currently operating within the region such as the Red Cross, Migrant Resource Centre, Multicultural Youth Services and Companion House”, said Minister Rattenbury.
“In 1999, the ACT took in a number of families from Kosovo; refugees who were placed within our community. We believe that as a prosperous and compassionate community we are again well placed to help the many refugees in this crisis.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Yvette Berry will speak at the #lightthenight rally in Canberra this evening in support of Australia taking more refugees.
“Four million people are fleeing war in Syria. Two million of those are children. It is the responsibility of all countries and all communities to do everything they can to support those desperately fleeing this international crisis,” said Minister Berry.
“I have already made representations to the Federal Government on how the ACT can further support more refugee families from Syria, and I am sure with the right approach we can do more in this unprecedented humanitarian crisis.”
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
