The Australian public is invited to provide their views on the management and composition of the Humanitarian Programme (the Programme) for 2017–18.

The Australian government recognises the importance of engaging with the community to ensure continued support for the Programme, and each year seeks the views of the Australian public on the programme.

The government also consults with:

• state and territory governments and Commonwealth agencies
• peak refugee and humanitarian organisations
• the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) through consideration of advice on global resettlement needs and priorities.

In planning the programme, the government also considers Australia’s capacity to facilitate the entry and settlement of humanitarian entrants to ensure they are successfully integrated into our society.

This paper provides background information to help inform written submissions. It includes an overview of the international context in which the programme operates and information on its key features.