MEDIA RELEASE
040.09
18 May 2009
DIAC refutes hoax email on refugee payments
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has refuted false
claims circulating on the internet that asylum seekers on Christmas Island and
refugees permanently settling in Australia receive more in benefit payments
than Australian pensioners.
“The figures quoted in the email bear no resemblance to income-support
payments to pensioners, or to payments to asylum seekers and refugees
settling in Australia,” DIAC spokesman Sandi Logan said today.
“The text and figures in the email appear to have originated in Canadian
emails, websites and internet chatrooms. We suspect that the email
circulating here has been cut and pasted from these sources.
“Asylum seekers in Australia who have not yet had their protection claims
decided have no access to Centrelink benefits.
“Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme payments to eligible asylum seekers and
allowances paid to people in community detention on Christmas Island are the
same rate – 89 per cent of Centrelink Newstart allowance.
“In Australia, refugees granted permanent visas may gain access to benefits
on the same basis and at the same rates as other Australian permanent
residents.
“There is no separate rate of benefit payments for refugees.”
Mr Logan said refugees received no cash payments under Australia’s
Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy.
“DIAC helps eligible refugees with English-language lessons and settling-in
assistance including basic goods to start a household, subsidies for rent and
utilities for their first four weeks in the country,” he said.
“We would strongly encourage anyone who receives an email claiming asylum
seekers or refugees are treated more favourably than Australian permanent
residents to hit the delete button and ignore these scurrilous claims.”
Media Enquiries: National Communications (02) 6264 2244
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