New SA support for people fleeing conflict
The state government has announced new measures to help people entering South Australia after fleeing the Israel-Hamas conflict and war in Ukraine.
The new supports available will include waiving international student fees and public hospital costs, giving access to dental care and support to access private rentals.
Currently, most people fleeing both conflicts arrive on a visa which does not give them access to work rights, Medicare, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidised medicines, or other Commonwealth safety nets.
Other supports will include: access to the School Card Scheme, support through the Refugee Health Service, once-off dedicated mental health funding, access to disability supports, free Metrocards, $100 Foodland vouchers, $280 vouchers for the Treasure Boxes SA charity and family passes to Cleland Wildlife Park.
It has been suggested the supports will apply to new arrivals until they are able to access standard visa pathways which would provide them full working rights in the state.
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General secretary of the Australian Islamic Medical Association Dr Noor Suhana Mohd said the association had been in contact with the Premier to advocate for urgent access to health care for Gazans who had sought refuge in South Australia.
“We believe immediate health triage should assess for acute physical health issues and acute mental health issues. Children and adults alike most likely will be suffering for acute malnutrition due to months of famine,” Suhana Mohd said.
“In order for medical practitioners to be able to assess and provide the much-needed care, access to health care services that are announced today are much welcomed.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas said that “as the grandson of Lithuanian and Hungarian refugees, I appreciate how life changing it can be when Australia opens its heart to people coming to our nation seeking safety and opportunity”.
