Abbott Vows To Do More For Syrian Refugees As Thousands Rally Nationwide

Following increased public pressure, and a series of #LightTheDark rallies held around the country calling for fairer treatment of asylum seekers, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has pledged to do more for people fleeing war-torn Syria.
Australia’s current annual cap on humanitarian places is 13,850, and in previous days, the government have indicated that Australia would increase its intake of refugees from Syria, without increasing the overall number of places.
As of last night, however, Abbott is thought to be considering an overall increase in the number of refugee places. 
The Australian Greens have pushed for Australia to up its intake to 20,000 annually, while Oxfam, World Vision and Save The Children took out a newspaper ad calling for an increase to 30,000.
It is unknown whether Abbott will increase the cap, or by how much, but likely options include a one-off upping of the limit in response to the current crisis, or a quicker transition to the 18,750 cap set for the end of the decade.
In a speech to Parliament, Abbott said:
“When the world is in trouble, Australia responds. I can inform the House that it is the Government’s firm intention to take a significant number of people from Syria this year. We will give people refuge.  There will be more money, because we must assist the High Commissioner for Refugees to do its job, as well as can be done in these very difficult circumstances.”
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton met with United Nations High Commisson for Refugees officials in Geneva overnight, and is expected to report back to the government today, as a possible prelude to Australia raising its refugee cap.
Abbott added:
“[We are waiting] to see what advice he has received from the people on the spot, to weigh the advice that he has received from the experts who are already grappling with this crisis. Any response that we do finalise in the next 24 or 48 hours may in fact need to be further revised as this particular crisis unfolds.”
via Fairfax ABC
Photo: Daniel Munoz via Getty Images

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