By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The State Government has announced a $3 million rescue package to help asylum seekers and refugees cut from vital Federal payments.
Greater Dandenong Council believes at least 148 asylum seekers in the council area have been made effectively without income after being cut from the Status Resolution Support Services payments.
There are another 350 at immediate risk, whose SRSS eligibility are pending assessment by the Department of Home Affairs.
The statewide funding package, announced in the 2019 State Budget, will go towards services like trauma counselling, food and clothes, subsidised medication and housing assistance.
Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades, who chairs the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce into reversing the SRSS cuts, welcomed the support.
She said former SRSS recipients faced real risks of homelessness and destitution.
For the first time, people were queuing for food at neighbourhood houses in Dandenong, Noble Park and Springvale, Cr Blades said.
A neighbourhood house reported lines forming up to 90 minutes before opening.
Other agencies are also reporting their resources being stretched.
“We are all very concerned for the welfare of people seeking asylum and the impact recent funding cuts have had, not only financially, but also on their health and wellbeing,” Cr Blades said.
“I am very pleased (Mental Health Minister Martin) Foley acknowledges and recognises this issue.”
Cr Blades urged people to donate non-perishable food to their nearest neighbourhood house.
The Federal Government’s line has been that the SRSS is “not a social welfare program”.
“It is designed to provide short-term, tailored support to those who have demonstrated barriers to resolving their immigration status.
“Individuals on a bridging visa with work rights, and who have the capacity to work, are expected to support themselves while their immigration status is being resolved.”
