Catholic Social Services Australia says Australia’s humanitarian intake must be protected amid record global displacement.
In a statement yesterday, CSSA acknowledged the release of the federal Coalition’s migration policy and noted that all major parties – including the ALP, One Nation, and the Coalition – have now made recent statements on migration policy. The Greens’ policy remains extant.
CSSA affirmed that it is both legitimate and necessary for the quantum of migration to be debated openly and transparently in the public arena.
However, it strongly recommend the humanitarian intake remain a clear priority in this debate, reflecting Australia’s enduring commitment to protect the world’s most vulnerable.
CSSA reiterated its longstanding position that Australia should maintain a substantial, non-discriminatory migration program with a generous humanitarian intake.
“This intake is a vital expression of our nation’s compassion and respect for human dignity, and it should not be diminished,” CSSA said in the statement.
Liberal leader Angus Taylor this week announced Coalition plans to cut the humanitarian intake by half. CSSA cautioned against any reduction in the program.
According to statistics from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) at the end of 2025, there were 41.6 million refugees globally as well as 9 million asylum-seekers awaiting decisions on their claims. Additionally, 68.7 million people were displaced within their own countries due to conflict or violence.
“The humanitarian intake is not just a number; it represents real people – families fleeing unimaginable hardship and danger,” CSSA chief executive Jerry Nockles said.
“Cutting this intake by half at a time when global displacement is at record levels would be a significant reflection of our national conscience.”
CSSA said it was “encouraged by recent indications from the Government about maintaining the humanitarian intake” but called for definitive statement from the Minister for Home Affairs on the matter.
“We urge all political leaders to engage in the broader debate with integrity and respect for human dignity. The humanitarian intake must remain protected and central to Australia’s migration policy,” Dr Nockles added.
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Humanitarian intake must be protected amid record global displacement (CSSA)
