The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) expresses deep concern about the framing of migrants and refugees in the Budget Reply delivered by the Leader of the Opposition, Angus Taylor MP, particularly in relation to Australia’s housing challenges. RCAA acknowledges that housing affordability and housing supply are urgent national issues affecting millions of Australians. However, attributing these pressures to migrants and refugees’ risks inflaming division, creating unnecessary fear, and undermining the enormous economic, social, and cultural contributions these communities continue to make to Australia over decades. “Housing shortages result from long-term structural policy failures, underinvestment, and planning challenges, rather than from the presence of individuals who have come to Australia seeking safety, rebuilding their lives, and contributing their skills, labour, and entrepreneurship,” the RCAA spokesperson said. “We urge political leaders to focus on evidence-based solutions rather than rhetoric that unfairly targets vulnerable communities.” Refugees and humanitarian entrants represent only a small proportion of Australia’s overall migration intake, yet research consistently demonstrates that they contribute positively to regional economies, workforce participation, innovation, small business growth, and long-term nation building. Across Australia, refugee led organisations actively support housing transitions, employment pathways, community integration, and social cohesion, often with very limited resources. RCAA calls for a constructive and solutions-focused national conversation that includes: Investment in social and affordable housing- expanding housing supply for all low-income households, including newly arrived communities. Stronger support for refugee settlement services- ensuring people rebuilding their lives have stable housing, employment pathways, and community support. Evidence based migration policy- recognising the long term economic, demographic, and workforce benefits of migration rather than framing it as a burden and misguiding Australians. National leadership on social cohesion- political discourse that strengthens unity, fairness, and inclusion rather than division. RCAA chair, Parsu Sharma Luital said, “In November 2025, Australia granted its one millionth refugee visa since the arrival of refugees after 1947. This is not just a statistic, it is a proud national milestone that Australia should celebrate. Refugees and migrants have helped build modern Australia through hard work, resilience, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. As even Angus Taylor MP acknowledged, migrants and refugees have always contributed to Australia.” “Refugees and migrants are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis, but they can absolutely be part of the solution when supported through fair, humane, and forward-looking policies.” We call on all political leaders to engage responsibly and avoid narratives that stigmatise communities who have already endured hardship, displacement, and trauma,’ said Mr Luital. RCAA stands ready to work with all sides of politics to ensure Australia’s housing strategy is inclusive, future focused, evidence driven, and grounded in respect for human dignity, fairness, and Australia’s proud multicultural values. RCAA is a membership based, independent refugee-led national peak advocacy organisation that works closely with people with lived experience to amplify the voices of grassroots refugee communities and people seeking asylum. RCAA also works collaboratively with government agencies at all levels, peak bodies, settlement services, and stakeholders across states and territories to strengthen consultation, partnership, and support for refugees and people seeking asylum. For media enquiries, please contact RCAA spokesperson at [email protected]

An impressive line-up of leading international and Australian refugee advocates will headline this year’s second Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) National Conference. Iranian Kurdish journalist, human rights defender and writer Behrouz Boochani and former UNHCR Assistant Commissioner and former President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Dr Gilian Triggs are among the keynote speakers at the conference held at the Adelaide Festival Centre on March 25 and 26. Mr Boochani was held in the Manus Island detention centre in Papua New Guinea between 2013 and its closure in 2017. He now lives in New Zealand where he is a research fellow at the University of Canterbury. Also speaking at the conference will be the Co-Executive Director of the Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network Noor Azizah, Co-Secretary General Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network Hafsar Tameesuddin, Chief Executive Officer, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute Anthea Hancocks, CEO of the Centre for Multicultural Youth Carmel Guerra OAM and Executive Director of the Australian Multicultural Foundation Hass Dellal AO. The conference will focus on facilitating conversations, sharing knowledge, and increasing awareness of the lived experiences of new and emerging communities, migrants, and multicultural communities as well as highlighting their contributions to Australia. Under the theme “Empowering Refugees and Multicultural Communities Together”, the conference will explore how refugee communities move beyond initial settlement to multicultural leadership, ensuring their voices actively influence policies, services, and decision-making at all levels. The long-term goal of RCAA is to establish a framework fostering a self-reliant, progressive, and culturally inclusive approach, strengthening refugee leadership through policy, advocacy, support, capacity building, and working with all stakeholders. The conference is expected to bring together more than 250 delegates, representing more than 50 organisations. Attendees will include new and emerging communities, multicultural communities, refugee organisations, service providers, policymakers, academics, businesses, and representatives from all levels of government. The conference will serve as a platform for meaningful engagement, collaboration, and innovation in multicultural leadership and integration. The conference will provide an opportunity to: Advance multicultural leadership and amplify their voices within Australian society Promote awareness of the contributions of refugee communities to the social and economic wellbeing, and rich cultural fabric of Australia Foster dialogue that encourages the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and solutions between new and emerging communities, service providers, and policymakers Strengthen the advocacy capacity of ‘lived experience’ led organisations and build a stronger, more cohesive network  Develop a foundation of lived experience and evidence-based insights to shape policy and service delivery RCAA Chair Parsu Sharma Luital said the conference would also feature case studies of successful multicultural sector led initiatives and examine how their approaches can be adapted and implemented by other agencies to enhance their leadership and support systems. “It will also celebrate the role of lived experience in shaping service provision, employment pathways, and community programs and explore opportunities for partnerships between new and emerging communities, service providers, businesses, and government agencies,” Mr Sharma Luital said. A conference dinner will honour the rich cultural diversity of South Australia and celebrate the contributions of multicultural communities from across Australia. Bringing together delegates, community leaders, and stakeholders, the dinner will be a night of connection, recognition, and cultural appreciation, reflecting the strength and resilience of our diverse communities.Conference website and registration link: https://rcaaconference2026.com.au/registration/ About RCAAThe RCAA is Australia’s first membership-based, refugee-led organisation (RLO), distinguished by its strong grassroots foundation and extensive reach with refugee communities and key stakeholders. RCAA unites over 70 member organisations nationwide and thousands of individuals, each embodying the resilience, strength, and rich diversity of refugee communities. Together, RCAA forms a collective force that amplifies diverse voices, advocates for systemic change, and strengthens the already rich fabric of Australia’s multiculturalism. With leadership drawn directly from those with lived experience, RCAA ensures that policies and programs impacting these communities are shaped by those with lived experience. For images, interviews and more information please contact Laurie Nowell at [email protected] or 9938 4031 or 0498 196 500.

The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) expresses its deepest condolences following the tragic terrorism attack at Bondi Beach. We stand in solidarity with all those affected, and we mourn alongside the families and communities who have lost loved ones. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Jewish community, who have been directly impacted by this senseless act of violence. To those who are grieving, we share in your sorrow. To those who are injured and recovering in hospital, we wish you strength, healing, and comfort in the days ahead. This attack is a painful reminder of the importance of unity and resilience in the face of hatred. Refugee communities across Australia know too well the devastation caused by violence and division. We reaffirm our commitment to building bridges of understanding and compassion across all communities. “Social cohesion is the foundation of a safe and inclusive Australia. In moments of tragedy, we must come together, not as separate groups, but as one people united in dignity, justice, and peace. At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with our Jewish community members.” said RCAA Chair, Mr Parsu Sharma Luital. The Refugee Communities Association of Australia calls on all Australians to reject division and reaffirm our shared values of compassion, belonging, and solidarity. Together, we can ensure that acts of terror do not fracture our communities but instead strengthen our resolve to stand as one. For further information, contact RCAA spokesperson at 0412 265 317 or [email protected].