The Albanese Government is providing 37 organisations with a total of $5.22 million to support communities impacted by the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict.
This funding is part of the Albanese Government's $25 million commitment to support Palestinian, Arab and Muslim communities. It will assist organisations and communities to respond to the
impact of the conflict and protect Australians from threats of racism, hate speech, violence, polarisation and social exclusion.
The initiatives announced today include:
- $3.22 million for 35 organisations to launch new local social cohesion projects which support communities.
- $2 million for two organisations to deliver community programs to support Australian Palestinian and Muslim youth.
The Albanese Government has been working to ensure these measures are informed by community concerns and will be targeted to address immediate needs, as well as the longer-term impacts being felt across communities in Australia.
The Albanese Government will also be supporting those experiencing financial hardship due to the crisis, with a further $2 million in emergency financial relief. Small cash payments will be made available to impacted visa holders from significantly affected areas in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Further information on will be made available in the coming days via the Home Affairs website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles MP
"The Albanese Government recognises the distress many Australians are feeling with the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict and we are committed to working in partnership with affected communities to provide crucial support.
"Our approach supports both short and long term impacts of the conflict- enabling funding to be distributed rapidly to communities most in need while also building capacity in affected communities."
"Our priority is to provide support to those that have been impacted, and to enhance and foster community connection during these challenging times."
