Premier announces Syrian refugee intake

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that Queensland is ready and able to settle up to 3500 of the 12,000 Syrian refugees Australia has agreed to accept.

Premier Palaszczuk said after consulting with settlement services providers, NGOs and key community organisations, the government had been able to determine the number of Syrians who could be resettled in Queensland.  

“I have written to the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull today, to let him know that Queensland has the will and the resources to provide new homes and new lives for up to 3500 Syrian refugees,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I always said we would take our fair share, but this offer exceeds that. Typically, Queensland would settle about 13% of Australian humanitarian entrants. This offer represents about 29% of this one-off intake.

“I’ve told the Prime Minister my government is willing to work closely with the Federal Government on the details, to provide the best outcomes for these vulnerable people.

“Let me say how proud I am of Queenslander’s compassionate and generous response to the Syrian crisis.

“I have no doubt Queenslanders will open their hearts to our newest arrivals, as the latest phase of our long tradition of welcoming people fleeing war.”

Multicultural Affairs Minister Shannon Fentiman said the state’s system to settle refugees stood at the ready and had the capacity to act quickly thanks to the great work being done by settlement providers including ACCESS and MDA Ltd. 

“Just as we have stepped up before in times of crisis, we will welcome refugees into our Queensland community,” Minister Fentiman said. 

“I have been touched by the sheer number of offers of help we are seeing, but not surprised. Queenslanders are generous of spirit and our multicultural state is one of our greatest strengths.” 

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