Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last Thursday, I welcomed Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite to Holt for a meeting with leaders from our Tamil and Afghan communities. Holt is home to one of Australia's largest refugee populations, many of whom have enjoyed long years of uncertainty under the Liberals' failed policies. Some have been here for over 15 years now with Australian families yet remain on short-term visas, consistently fearing deportation. Our government has taken significant steps to address these issues. Since coming to office, we've granted 19,000 refugees permanent residencies and abolished the flawed fast-track system, creating a stable future for those seeking refuge. It is disappointing that Peter Dutton wants to take us backwards and cut our humanitarian program to only 13,750 places per year, keeping more families separated. As a migrant, I am proud to be part of a government that takes our voices seriously. This meeting with Minister Thistlethwaite allowed community leaders to voice their feedback on remaining gaps in the system. Their input is essential in shaping policies that uphold Australia's values of fairness and compassion.