Refugees in Australia need to be able to access a fairer, faster and more affordable family reunion system. This paper sets out the laws, procedures and policies requiring amendment in order to address the impacts of the decade-long separation from families experienced by refugees in Australia.

This report is based on the insights and views of more than 50 experts who attended the Refugee and Migrant Skills and Jobs Summit, held at Parliament House in March 2023.

In 2012, the Australian government introduced a program to offer resettlement in Australia to eligible locally engaged Afghan employees, and their direct family members, at risk of harm due to their employment in support of Australia’s mission in Afghanistan. This report outlines the findings from an independent review of the program.

While government policies have helped to increase the initial settlement of migrants and refugees in regional areas, helping newcomers and local receiving communities develop lasting ties remains a challenge. The paper shines a light on policy solutions to address this issue.

This policy brief highlights policy solutions to improve access to basic rights and opportunities for newcomers to Australia, including income support, vital services like settlement support and housing assistance, and pathways to citizenship.