Refugees and regional settlement: balancing priorities

A Brotherhood of St. Laurence study of the settlement experiences of 55 Iraqi and Sudanese refugees and 22 community leaders in Shepparton, Colac and Warrnambool, Victoria aimed to identify factors that promote successful settlement in regional areas. These include availability of employment, education and training, housing, adequate income support, English classes, interpreting facilities and support services, a quality relationship with the host community, recognition of refugee rights, especially for those on Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs), and the ability of refugees to make informed choices about regional areas. The debate about the regional settlement of refugees involves humanitarian goals, population strategy and the economic development of regional areas. The policy implications include providing generous settlement services, especially those meeting refugees' special needs, promoting vigorous and sustainable regional economies to provide education and employment opportunities, and enhancing the host community's capacity to welcome and include newcomers.