MEDIA RELEASE
The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement today to provide further humanitarian support to displaced Ukrainians arriving in Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister Alex Hawke, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, made the announcement this morning
These include settlement support services, such as education, access to Medicare and work permits. Visas will be extended for three years, and there will be an open-ended period for others to apply.
The Prime Minister also announced a $450,000 grant to the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations to assist in coordinating support on a local level.
‘The Government’s plan reflects matters discussed with the AFUO over past weeks that there would be a staged approach to issues. There was agreement that the situation needs to be evaluated at different stages of the program and adjustments made,’ said Mr Stefan Romaniw, Co-Chair AFUO.
‘For example, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the AFUO and the Federal Government worked closely together to identify how the Australian government could expedite the visa approval process for Ukrainians wishing to escape the violence. The first step was to remove these people – predominantly women and children – from harm’s way.
‘Today’s announcement is the next step – setting up arrangements that will allow these people to pick up their lives again on the other side of the world,’ said Mr Romaniw.
‘The AFUO Executive will be meeting this afternoon to assess how to best support federal and state agencies in rolling out these support services. Community-based teams to assist displaced people have been formed in each state. A central national database has been created to collect requests/offers of temporary accommodation, household items, clothing, and medical assistance: www.ozeukes.com
“Meet and greet events have been held in different States to offer emotional support and friendship to people who are still in shock from their dislocation. This has included leaving everything behind – their homes, livelihoods, and in most cases, their husbands and fathers who have stayed behind to defend Ukraine,’ said Mr Romaniw.
‘We thank the Australian Government for swiftly bringing displaced Ukrainian people to our shores and supporting them with appropriate arrangements. By doing this, Australia is showing its support for decency, democracy, and freedom from tyranny.” Mr Romaniw said.
Media inquiries: Stefan Romaniw 0419 531 255
