The Context and Background to “Community Sponsorship” in Australia: Refugees and Humanitarian Entrants Colloquium
8 May 2025
Prof Susan Kneebone opened the Colloquium with the paper:
“The Legacies of Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Policies and the Development of the Humanitarian Program”.
The following three interactive sessions were held:
PANEL 1 – International perspectives: How do resettlement programs balance resettlement as a ‘durable solution’ and as a ‘strategic’ instrument?
Panelists:
- Mike Clayton – UNHCR
- Robyn Bicket – former Department of Immigration
- Graham Thom – Amnesty\RCOA
- Prof Kate Ogg – ANU (chair)
PANEL 2 – National perspectives: To what extent has the community contributed to the evolution of policy on humanitarian and refugee (re)settlement services in Australia and New Zealand? What lessons can we take away from community involvement?
Panelists:
- Ramesh Kumar – former AMES, Good Shepherd
- Paris Aristotle – Foundation House
- Birgit Grafarend-Watungwa – Host International (NZ)
- Prof Susan Kneebone – MLS (chair)
PANEL 3 – Local perspectives: How has community sponsorship operated within the parameters of the SHP?
Panelists:
- Marie Sellstrom – RAR
- Ali Reza Yunespour – CRSA\UoM
- Louise Olliff – RCOA
- A/Prof Anthea Vogl – UTS (chair)