Foundation House welcomes the Government’s announcement of an increase to Australia’s Humanitarian Program

11 August 2023

Foundation House and the Forum of Australian Services for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (FASSTT) welcome the Australian Government’s announcement that it will increase the number of people brought to Australia under the Humanitarian Program to 20,000 places.

The Government’s commitment to increase the program is particularly important when the number of people forcibly displaced by the horrors of conflict, war and persecution around the world is over 100 million and continues to grow.

The Humanitarian Program literally saves the lives of people who would otherwise have no capacity to live in safety and with dignity. This increase enables Australia to partner with countries such as the United States, Canada, New Zealand and several European nations in leading this important global humanitarian effort.

Many people arriving via this program will seek Foundation House services having experienced torture and other traumatic events in their countries of origin, and while fleeing, in the search for safety.  As such, we and FASSTT acknowledge and thank the Government for supporting specialist trauma focused services through the Department of Health’s world leading Program of Assistance for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (PASTT).

Australia’s settlement services are outstanding, and we commend the Government for ensuring they will be supported to ensure Humanitarian Program entrants can settle well and make a wonderful contribution to the fabric our nation.