<
https://theconversation.com/dozens-of-refugees-are-still-stranded-in-precarious-situations-in-png-and-support-from-australia-is-dwindling-241676>
"After nearly a year without basic income and support services, 42 refugees and
asylum seekers remaining in Papua New Guinea will soon begin receiving a meagre
allowance of 900 kina (A$338) per week from the Australian government.
These men are former Manus Island detainees who were released in 2016 after the
PNG Supreme Court ruled that Australia’s offshore detention facility was
unconstitutional.
Most of the refugees and asylum seekers were then transferred to the capital,
Port Moresby, where the Australian government began providing them with
accommodation, meals, medical, health care and settlement services
However, in November 2023, that assistance was suddenly cut off without any
explanation from the Australian government.
A year later, the men were informed this month that the support would be
reinstated if they vacated their current homes, though the payments would be at
a much lower level than before.
The demand that the men source their own accommodations is concerning, as many
are too unwell to navigate a competitive and expensive rental market. Many are
at risk of homelessness.
These low payments will also make medical care unaffordable, so the threat to
health and life will continue to grow more serious."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
