The situation

Currently getting visas for family reunion can be a difficult, expensive and very long process: for many it is not even possible. Policy changes are needed for the refugees and their families: changes that will have social and economic benefits for Australia generally.

What is needed?

In brief we believe there should be consultation with refugee communities, more visas, needs-based concessions, shorter process times with less costs and no restrictions because of arriving by boat.

Policy changes we are seeking from the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten

1. Allocate at least 5,000 visas under the family stream of the Migration Program for refugee and humanitarian entrants.

2. Introduce needs-based concessions under the family stream of the Migration Program

3. Conduct a consultation with refugee communities, practitioners involved in providing support with family reunion applications and other relevant stakeholders

4. Reduce processing times, increase funding to support the process and remove restrictions to family reunion to people arriving by boat

5. Reduce the associated costs, increase the allocated places and decouple Community

   Proposal Pilot/Community Support Program from the offshore Refugee and Humanitarian Program.

Want to do more?

We believe in a #FairGoForFamilies. Do you?

You can show your support by doing on of the following actions:

1. Sign the pledge to show your support for refugee families and their right to be with their families.
2. Write a letter to your local MP asking them to support a #FairGoForFamilies.
3. Request to meet your MP to discuss the issue.
4. Host a #FairGoForFamilies picnic in your local community.

Fair Go for Families is a joint campaign between the following partners: