Broadbent backs Labor refugee proposal

Federal McMillan MP Russell Broadbent has thrown his support behind a Bill that could see Australia’s sponsored refugee resettlement program increase. 161644_01

By Helena Adeloju

Federal McMillan MP Russell Broadbent has thrown his support behind a Bill that would see Australia’s sponsored refugee resettlement program increase.
In a speech on Monday 22 May in support of Labor’s Tim Watts’ motion calling for the use of private, or community sponsorship to expand refugee resettlement in Australia, Mr McMillan said Australia has a long way to go in becoming the ‘fair go’ country we see ourselves as.
“Fairness is in our DNA, but we do not carry that through internationally in the way that I believe we should,” Mr Broadbent said. “I cannot stand here and say, ‘Well, I can’t say this because my party will be upset with me’.”
Mr Watts is asking the government to consider expanding the sponsored resettlement program as a cost-effective way for Australia to increase its refugee intake.
Australia currently reserves 1000 places a year for the private and community sponsorship of refugees.
Mr Broadbent is one of two government MPs who have spoken out in support of the Opposition’s call for the program’s expansion.
The McMillan MP praised Mr Watts for bringing the matter to the attention of the Parliament.
“What he has put out is a clarion call for compassion, conscience and common sense,” Mr Broadbent said.
“In our region, we have five times the number of people who go to the grand final and some home-and-away games waiting off our shores.”
Mr Broadbent said allowing “non-government actors” – business, religious organisations or community groups – to sponsor families or individuals would mean refugees would be more easily integrated into the community.
He said more communities will “have skin in the game” from contributing to the cost of refugee sponsorship in an expanded program.
“It enhances the relationship between the refugees and the broader community,” Mr Broadbent said.