Following the migration policy announcements made by the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Tony Burke MP, on 17 September 2026, RCAA is calling on the Australian Government to protect the current refugee intake and the rights of people seeking asylum. Future reforms must not weaken Australia’s long-standing commitment to welcoming people fleeing persecution.
RCAA welcomes the Minister’s recognition that immigration is a fundamental strength of Australia, that multiculturalism has enriched the nation and that a fair and effective asylum system remains critically important.
Responding to Minister’s address at the National Press Club, RCAA Chairperson Parsu Sharma Luital JP said the Government must avoid shifting the national conversation in a way that unfairly blames migrant and refugee communities for broader social and economic challenges.
“For more than seven decades, Australia’s refugee program has strengthened our nation. Refugees and people seeking asylum contribute to our economy, enrich our culture and help build a more cohesive society, underpinning the fabric of our rich multiculturalism,” Mr Sharma-Luital said.
“We urge the Government to protect the current refugee intake level and uphold the rights of people seeking asylum. Any future reforms must reinforce, not diminish, Australia’s humanitarian commitments.”Mr Sharma-Luital added that migrant and refugee communities should not be used as political scapegoats for the many complex and broader issues facing the country.
“We must keep the national conversation grounded in facts and fairness. Refugee and migrant communities are part of Australia’s success story, not the cause of its problems.”
RCAA is an independent, membership-based and refugee-led national peak advocacy organisation. It amplifies the voices of grassroots refugee communities, people seeking asylum and stateless people, and works with governments, service providers and other stakeholders across Australia.
Contact the RCAA spokesperson for enquiries on 0412 265 317 or email [email protected].
