The changing face of disability and refugee services and policy in Australia: Implications for social work

Authors

Abstract

People in Australia living with disabilities who are also from refugee backgrounds, or who are seeking asylum, face enormous challenges. In addition to the traumatic histories they bring with them, the shifting political and policy landscapes have resulted in a fractured and disintegrated service response, with changes to immigration policy and the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme set to exacerbate existing issues in the system. This paper outlines the shifting policy contexts and presents findings of a consultation process undertaken by the Refugee Council of Australia.

Author Biographies

Asher Hirsch, Refugee Council of Australia

Senior Policy Officer

Christopher Maylea, Social and Global Studies Centre RMIT University

Lecturer

Christina David, Social and Global Studies Centre RMIT University

Lecturer

Sharlene Nipperess, Social and Global Studies Centre RMIT University

Lecturer

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Published

2019-03-12