In Canberra, our local Sudanese community has made many important contributions to our community, and have many significant achievements in their own right.
It is extraordinary to have a Minister for Immigration who has nothing positive to say about the vast majority of Australian families of African background who are hard working, law abiding and make a valuable contribution to Australian society.
There is a vibrant and engaged Sudanese community here in the ACT that, in the context of Minister Andrew’s recent offensive comments, must be recognised for its contributions to Canberra and our community.
We have been fortunate to have had the opportunity over the past several years to meet with local Sudanese community members and hear about their achievements, as well as what still needs to be done to assist refugees who come to live in Canberra.
Many Sudanese refugees have come to Canberra to settle with their families, work, complete university studies, participate in community events – like Multicultural Week – and volunteer in community organisations.
Labor recognises that there are millions of refugees in camps in Africa and has always offered bipartisan support to Australia’s humanitarian assistance to this region.
Labor has also committed an additional $49.2 million to provide programs to give people additional support and opportunity to learn English and to find their first job.
Contact: Rachel Allen – 0418 488 295 (Lundy), Alys Graham – 0438 379 977 (Ellis), Margaret Watt – 0438 271 749 (McMullan)
