City locks horns on cutbacks
GEELONG council has joined calls for the Federal Government to reverse recent changes to asylum seeker services, citing fears for the mental health and financial wellbeing of local residents seeking asylum.
Councillors last week voted to join 22 other councils as a signatory to a joint statement condemning changes to the government’s Status Resolution Support Services payment system.
A report from council officers highlighted concerns that many of the 100 people in the Geelong region who were awaiting decisions on asylum applications faced hardship as a result of the changes.
“Loss of income and individual case management support will intensify the sense of uncertainty in Australia, leading to social and perhaps psychological health implications,” the statement said.
“Furthermore, language and cultural barriers will be negatively affected, while health issues from any effects of torture and trauma may become exacerbated.
“These complex detriments, coupled with potential homelessness and mental health risks, will erode the social cohesion council has committed to in various strategic plans and initiatives.”
The City of Greater Dandenong initiated the movement last year following cuts to SRSS funding and changes to eligibility requirements.
Geelong’s council said many of the region’s asylum seekers were hit by the changes to the scheme, which had provided with a basic living allowance, casework support and access to counselling.
Some were now relying on local not-for-profit organisations and charities, putting further pressure on the services in the region, council said.
Council decided to join the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum as an observer member, and the membership will not include a financial contribution.
The group’s joint statement calls for five commitments from the Australian Government, including funding for dedicated employment consultants with specific understanding of the barriers faced by those seeking asylum.
Cr Sarah Mansfield, who chairs the council’s Inclusive and Diverse Community portfolio, said many people would be left destitute, and without money to pay for food, medicine and other basic needs as a result of the changes.
“This places extra pressure on community organisations who are already struggling to meet demand,” Cr Mansfield said.
Sources close the Federal Government say the SRSS is not a social welfare program, and was designed to provide short-term, tailored support to those with barriers to resolving their immigration status.
The source said the government had an expectation that individuals on bridging visas with work rights and the capacity to work would work to support themselves while their immigration status was being resolved.