News and Events
1. Changes to Refugee Policy in the 2009-10 Federal Budget: Changes announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, include abolishing the '45-day rule' to granting work rights and health care access to asylum seekers, a commitment to introducing a system of complementary protection, the community care pilot to become an ongoing program and the development of a national Community Status Resolution Service. The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has issued a media release that details these changes. Click here.
2. The Refugee Action Program (formerly known as the Refugee Brokerage Program) received funding in the 2009 Victorian state budget to assist more than 50 refugee and humanitarian communities across Melbourne and regional Victoria. $2 million will be allocated over two years to link local services to support refugee families and their communities. More information can be found at the Premier’s web site.
3. Nurses for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (NRAS) ANF Special Interest Group will next meet on Tuesday, July 21st, 6 - 8.30pm. Julian Burnside QC will speak on 'Human rights and Access to Services'. This group provides a forum for nurses who are interested in, and/or work with, refugees and asylum seekers in a variety of clinical settings including schools, emergency departments, local councils, and community health centres. It will be held at ANF House, 540 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne (venue to be confirmed). Contact: Catherine Hutchings, ANF Professional Officer, (03) 9275 9333 or Ambi Kaur on ambi.kaur@dgchs.org.au
4. It’s Not Just The Language - A Forum for Service Providers Working with Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Families Experiencing Family Violence. Topics include: interpreting service access and challenges, resources and varied work practices in which three projects will share learnings and challenges. A panel discussion will follow with Foundation House, Migrant Information Centre, Eastern Domestic Violence Service, Victoria Police and Eastern Community Legal Centre. Date: Monday 25 May 2009, 9am- 1pm.
Where: Willis Room, City of Whitehorse Offices, 397 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading.
Cost: free but register before May 20 to Glenis Crocker 0424 441 051 or email: gleniscrocker@hotmail.com
5. Submissions on Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health to the National Primary Health Care Strategy review: a number of submissions focussing on Refugee and Asylum Seeker health were submitted to this review. Links to these submissions are provided on the National Primary Health Care Strategy website:
- Victorian Refugee Health Network - Submission No. 154
- Dandenong Casey General Practice Association - Submission No. 86
- Refugee Health Network Australia - Submission No. 58
- Refugee Primary Health Care Research Centre - Submission No. 89
- South Australian Refugee Health Network - Submission No. 27
Resources
6. The SBS Insight program (May 19) on Asylum Seekers examined the impact of recent government policy changes and the balance between humanitarian responsibility and border protection. Representatives of UNHCR, Government, Opposition, researchers, advocates and asylum seekers share their views and experiences. To watch online, podcast or obtain a transcript click here.
The ABC Radio National Interest program (May 13) broadcast a free public forum in Melbourne on Asylum Seekers: Where to from here? Presented by Peter Mares, it also features panel members: David Manne, Paris Aristotle, John Gibson, Caz Coleman and Bruce Baird. To listen or download click here.
Professional Development
7. Refugee Health Fellows project update: this project provides support for the specialist refugee clinics at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Children's Hospital for comprehensive assessment and management, secondary consultation and professional development. An important focus is to provide education and support, particularly to GPs and specialists who see refugees in their practice.
Click here for information about the services provided by the Refugee Health Fellows and their contact details.
Royal Melbourne Hospital Immigrant & Refugee Clinic Brochure
Royal Children's Hospital Immigrant & Refugee Health Clinic
8. Culturally Inclusive Health Assessments: This Centre for Ethnicity and Health (CEH)Professional Learning workshop is designed to enable participants to develop the appropriate skills and knowledge to conduct culturally appropriate and inclusive assessment when working with clients from CALD backgrounds.
When: Wednesday 17 June, 9.15am - 2pm at CEH 81-85 Barry Street, Carlton. Cost: $150
Bookings essential. Register online at www.ceh.org.au or phone (03) 9342 9700.
Research
9. Khat: a literature review: the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health (CEH) has undertaken a review of the health and social effects of khat use. The review was published in March, 2009 and will assist affected communities to acquire evidence on the health and social impacts of khat use and legal and social responses in other comparable countries to assist in developing informed local debate. To download the report click here.
Subscriptions and contributions to the Victorian Refugee Health Network E-Bulletin are welcome.
If you would like to subscribe or send news or information relevant to refugee health please go to the Contact Us page on the Refugee Health Network website at www.refugeehealthnetwork.org.au or email: refugeehealth@foundationhouse.org.au
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