ACT Government ministers yesterday reaffirmed the ACT’s commitment to welcoming refugees into our community, following the Federal Government’s announcement that Australia will be increasing its quota of refugees from Syria.

“Earlier this year, the ACT was officially declared a Refugee Welcome Zone by Minister Yvette Berry. The ACT has both the capacity and the compassion to welcome those fleeing persecution in Syria”, said Andrew Barr.

“The situation in Syria is devastating and we should be doing everything we can to support those desperately fleeing the ongoing civil war and cross-border conflicts in which more than 250,000 men, women and children have already died.”

Shane Rattenbury said that the ACT has a well-documented history of supporting refugee families.

“We know the ACT is a compassionate community and we have many hard-working agencies currently operating within the region such as the Red Cross, Migrant Resource Centre, Multicultural Youth Services and Companion House”, said Shane.

“In 1999, the ACT took in a number of families from Kosovo; refugees who were placed within our community. We believe that as a prosperous and compassionate community we are again well placed to help the many refugees in this crisis.”

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Yvette Berry spoke at the #lightthenight rally in Canberra yesterday in support of Australia taking more refugees.

“Four million people are fleeing war in Syria. Two million of those are children. It is the responsibility of all countries and all communities to do everything they can to support those desperately fleeing this international crisis,” said Yvette.

“I have already made representations to the Federal Government on how the ACT can further support more refugee families from Syria, and I am sure with the right approach we can do more in this unprecedented humanitarian crisis.”

[Photo of #lightthenight rally by John Griffiths]