SSI says a one-third reduction would affect refugees and settlement
Community service leaders responded on 27 August 2026 after overnight reports that the Federal Government will cut Australia’s humanitarian intake by one-third.
Settlement Services International, or SSI, offered six spokespeople to comment on the reported change and its likely effect on people seeking safety.
SSI said the issue reaches beyond visa numbers. The organisation pointed to Australia’s humanitarian obligations and its role in responding to global displacement crises.
It also raised the likely effect on communities that support newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants, and on the services that help them settle in Australia.
According to SSI, key issues include the impact of reducing the humanitarian intake by one-third, the contribution refugees and humanitarian entrants make to Australian communities, and the implications for settlement and community services.
The organisation also argued for a humanitarian program that reflects Australia’s values and international responsibilities.
SSI names six spokespeople
The organisation also named Cassandra Goldie AO, chief executive officer of the Australian Council of Social Services, and Maria Dimopoulos AM, chief executive officer of the Settlement Council of Australia.
Meanwhile, the list included Paul Power, chief executive officer of the Refugee Council of Australia, Peter Doukas OAM, chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia. Melissa Monteiro, chief executive officer of Community Migrant Resource Centre.
SSI did not state the new humanitarian intake number, the current intake level, or when any reduction would begin.
The organisation also did not identify a cabinet decision date, any budget figure, or any change to funding for settlement providers.
