Cooperative, humanitarian approach needed to deal with refugee crisis

I, like all Tasmanians, have been deeply saddened by the unfolding refugee tragedy in Europe and the Middle East.

Late last year, the Federal Government passed a law creating the Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) scheme. The scheme grants a temporary five year visa for refugees to live in regional Australia.

The Government is currently in active negotiations with the Federal Government to allow up to 500 refugees to call Tasmania home under the scheme.

I personally discussed with the Prime Minister Tasmania’s participation in the scheme at COAG and again at July’s Joint Commonwealth and Tasmania Economic Council meeting.

Just this weekend I again discussed Tasmania’s willingness to participate in the scheme.

This isn’t about housing refugees in detention or camps such a Pontville, it’s a longer-term solution that will see people living and working in, and becoming part of, the Tasmanian community.

The State Government is currently working cooperatively with the Federal Government to understand what resources will be required to make the scheme work in Tasmania.
Tasmania’s door is open and I look forward to saying more on this issue as soon as possible.
Will Hodgman, Premier