I wholeheartedly agree with the Archbishop of Adelaide, The Most Revd Jeffrey Driver, in his encouragement of the Federal Government plan for Australians to welcome asylum seekers and refugees into their homes.

Archbishop Driver’s media release states in part,

Under the plan the Government will seek to access the 5000 Australian homes registered under the privately run Australian Homestay Network to host asylum seekers released from detention on bridging visas.

With the Immigration Department facing a potential shortage of community housing to accommodate detainees who are being released into the community, the CPN [Community Placement Network] initiative is a positive shift to more community based processing of asylum seekers in Australia.

“The policy is an opportunity to acknowledge a good and humane outcome for refugee immigration,” Archbishop Driver said.

“At the same time I do urge that the focus of this new initiative be on long term detainees – especially those who have been recognised as refugees but waiting security clearances – unaccompanied minors, and those with mental health issues.”

“Australian families, churches and community organisations have had a wonderful history of welcoming refugees to our country and generally have been enriched by the experience,” Archbishop Driver said.

Full statement, Adelaide Archbishop welcomes plan to house asylum seekers in Australian homes.