Range of visas to be accepted
SYRIAN refugees and asylum seekers could call Tasmania home after the state government announced on Wednesday it would allow for people on a range of humanitarian visas to be welcomed to the state.
The government announced at the weekend that the state would house up to 500 extra refugees in response to the Syrian crisis.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Guy Barnett said on Wednesday that the government would accept refugees and asylum seekers on a range of visas, not just people on Safe Haven Enterprise Visas as previously announced, to assist in housing the 12,000 people fleeing Syria and Iraq who will be resettled in Australia.
Mr Barnett said resettlement for people on visas outside of the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa would be provided subject to financial support arrangements being provided by the federal government.
‘‘You will see, prior to Christmas, people on the ground who have been asylum seekers, who have been refugees from other countries overseas,’’ he said.
‘‘They will be housed across Tasmania in various communities. We’ve received wonderful feedback from various churches and other organisations in terms of their willingness to support this initiative and we appreciate that.
‘‘We’re confident we can handle this particular commitment and we’re looking forward to it.’’
Acting premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government would work with the federal government to sign the Safe Haven Visa Enterprise implementation plan and would spend $1.2million over four years on the development of a Safe Haven Hub.
Opposition Leader Bryan Green said a working group would be established following a meeting of community leaders to assist Tasmania in dealing with its increased refugee intake.
‘‘There’s an overwhelming feeling that Tasmanians want to do whatever it takes to help people in need ,’’ he said.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor welcomed tripartisan support on the issue.
‘‘It is good to know that on this very human issue we can come together as Tasmanians,’’ she said.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Guy Barnett announces the government’s intention to accept refugees and asylum seekers on a range of visas. Picture: PAUL SCAMBLER