Inner West Council has unanimously called on the Australian Government to urgently provide support for Afghanistan refugees.
"Our community has a history of reaching out to their neighbours, and a strong belief in social justice," said Inner West Mayor, Councillor Rochelle Porteous.
"Our populations do not exist in isolation - we are part of the global community and our actions
affect everyone.
"Inner West and the three former councils of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville have a long history of welcoming and providing refuge and safe haven for people from other countries who are fleeing violence and political persecution.
"We are deeply concerned about the Afghanistan refugee crisis and that tens of thousands of Afghani people are now seeking refuge from oppression by the Taliban," Mayor Porteous said.
At Tuesday night's Council Meeting, Council urged the Australian Government to:
• Grant permanent protection visas to Afghan refugees who are already here on temporary visas
• Enable family reunification by granting financially accessible partner/family type visas
• Establish a resettlement quota for Afghans most at risk from the current unrest in Afghanistan and assist with their emergency evacuation
• Increase the intake of Afghan refugees from 3,000 to 20,000 people on top of our existing humanitarian intake
Council will also promote organisations that are working to support Afghan refugees.
"Our residents have long supported moves to support those seeking refuge in our country, such as
the Inner West Community Refugee Welcome Centre in Callan Park," said Mayor Porteous.
"In particular, we need to recognise the rich social, cultural, economic and historical contribution of Afghan migrants to Australia.
"I'm committed to ensuring Council works with the Afghan diaspora in the Inner West to provide appropriate social and community support."
