Closing the gap for TPV refugees in Victoria : a state-wide action plan : developing stronger co-ordination and strategy to address unmet needs of refugees on Temporary Protection Visa (TPVs) in Victoria

Prepared by Ecumenical Migration Centre, Brotherhood of St Laurence

Contents : 1.0 INTRODUCTION – 2.0 WHY THE NEED TO “CLOSE THE GAP” FOR TPV REFUGEES? – 3.0 THE STATE-WIDE ACTION PLAN : AN OVERVIEW -- 4.0 SUMMARY OF INITIATIVES, COSTS AND LOCATIONS – 5.0 THE NEXT STEP FOR THE ACTION PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS – 6.0 APPENDICES

Closing the Gap for TPV Refugees in Victoria: A State-wide Action Plan proposes a series of recommendations to address this service fragmentation and guide resource allocation. The recommendations are specific and time-limited, developed to assist TPV refugees as they move through permanency to positive settlement outcomes for themselves and their families. The Action Plan seeks to bring stronger co-ordination and strategy to address unmet needs of TPV refugees in Victoria. Over an 18-24 month period, the proposed initiatives will bring timelimited, strategic and special purpose resources for a small, dispersed population of around 2,400 refugees soon to be joined by their families. Endorsed by the Project Advisory Group, the Action Plan will close the gap for TPV refugees, who continue to suffer the consequences of neglect and punitive policies over 5 or more years, to receive adequate and consistent basic support as they move towards permanent settlement and sponsor their families