Help us Protect Work Rights for People Seeking Asylum
The Albanese Government is considering changes to Australia’s migration and protection system that could strip away work and appeal rights from people seeking asylum. This could see tens of thousands of people who are currently working, paying rent, buying food and supporting their families suddenly lose their only source of income.
For people seeking asylum, the right to work is not a privilege. Most are unable to access Centrelink, meaning work is the only way to meet their basic needs.
CARAD is one of more than 160 community, charity, multicultural and migration organisations in Australia that has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to stop these changes that would leave people seeking asylum without the ability to support themselves and become reliant on already over stretched organisations just to get by.
What you can do
The Government hasn’t announced anything formally yet, so we still have time to stop this. Call or email your local Labor representative and ask them to speak up.
The Asylum Seekers Resource Centre (ASRC) has created this helpful tool to find your local representative https://action.asrc.org.au/call-alp
They have also provided some talking points if you are unsure what to say:
Hi, my name is...
I'm calling because I'm concerned by reports that the Albanese Government is considering restricting the work rights and appeal rights of people seeking asylum.
I don't want Australia responding to fearmongering with more cruel policies.
People seeking asylum deserve the right to work, permanent protection, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives safely.
Please tell my MP/senator that I want them to reject these reported proposals and choose compassion instead.
If you are emailing your local rep you can include the following:
I live in your electorate and I'm writing to you as my local Labor representative. I am asking you to oppose any changes that would remove work rights or weaken appeal rights for people seeking asylum.
People seeking asylum should be able to work, support themselves and their families. Removing work rights could force people who are currently working and supporting themselves into poverty.
I expect Labor to stand up for fairness, dignity and people's right to work. Not adopt policies that punish people seeking safety.
We are hiring!
We are excited to announce there is a new position becoming available at CARAD: We are recruiting a new Office Manager in a full-time position.
Join our team to make a difference in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing administrative systems and processes.
To read more about it and apply, please visit EthicalJobs.
Applications close 9th August 2026.
Aliah's Journey to Loving Learning - Building Confidence, One Session at a Time
When Aliah first arrived from Syria with her family in 2020, she faced many challenges often experienced by refugees. With her English still developing and her parents unable to support schoolwork due to language barriers, learning often felt difficult and overwhelming.
Through the Opening Doors program, Aliah was matched with a volunteer who provided regular homework and learning support. When they first began working together, Aliah showed little interest in school beyond sport. She was reluctant to talk about her learning, struggled to stay focused during tasks, and lacked confidence in her academic abilities.
Rather than focusing solely on homework, our CARAD volunteer worked to create a supportive and respectful learning environment where Aliah felt safe, valued, and capable. Sessions were structured around her strengths and interests, with plenty of encouragement and opportunities for her to take the lead in her learning.
Over time, the change was remarkable.
Aliah arrived at sessions ready to share her schoolwork, proudly demonstrating online learning tools such as Mathletics and taking greater ownership of her learning. Her confidence grew, her engagement increased, and she became more willing to tackle challenges and complete tasks independently.
Access to her own laptop, which was gifted by a kind CARAD donor, further supported her progress, giving her greater independence and motivation to learn.
Today, Aliah is more confident, engaged, and positive about her education. Her story highlights the powerful impact that consistent volunteer support, encouragement, and meaningful relationships can have on a young person's learning journey.
At Opening Doors, volunteers do more than help with homework, they help young people build confidence, develop skills, and discover their potential.
Hasan's Story - The Power of the Opening Doors Program
Forced to flee Afghanistan after receiving death threats from the Taliban, Hasan arrived in Australia seeking safety and a chance to rebuild his life. He arrived on one of the last boats permitted to remain in Australia and began the difficult journey of starting over in a new country.
Hasan joined the Opening Doors program with a clear goal: to improve his English so he could study law.
Our Opening Doors program is dedicated to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum on their journey to independence, education, and employment through personalised coaching, mentorship, and skill development.
Although Hasan already held a degree in horticulture, he was determined to pursue a legal career. Having experienced the challenges of Australia's migration system first hand, he wanted to help others in similar situations navigate the complex process of securing visas and building a future.
With the support of CARAD volunteers and his own determination, Hasan quickly improved his English and successfully gained a scholarship to study law at Curtin University.
The path was not easy. While studying, financial pressures meant Hasan had to balance university with painting houses to cover his living expenses. Despite these challenges, he persevered and graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2020.
His commitment did not stop there. Hasan completed further legal training and supervised practice across Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. Eventually, the law firm where he completed his final placement recognised his talent and offered him a permanent position.
Today, one of Hasan's key roles is helping refugees and migrants secure visas and pathways to permanent residency—exactly the work he had dreamed of doing when he first arrived in Australia.
While helping others achieve stability, Hasan continued to face uncertainty about his own future. For years, he remained on a temporary visa, regularly required to prove that returning to Afghanistan was unsafe. Finally, in 2025, he was granted permanent residency, opening doors that many Australians take for granted, including the ability to secure a car loan and reduce the long daily commute between home and work.
Then came the news he had been waiting for.
Hasan’s application for Australian citizenship had been approved.
Hasan's story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when determination is met with opportunity and support. From arriving in Australia seeking safety to becoming a lawyer who helps others build secure futures, his journey reflects the life-changing impact of education, community connection and belonging.
Betty’s Book Recommendations
In April, Betty McGeever joined us as a panellist at Limbo: A Conversation on Seeking Asylum in WA, where she spoke with warmth and clarity about the difference each of us can make, through conversation, advocacy, volunteering, and simply showing up in solidarity.
Betty is a retired public librarian whose commitment to refugees has spanned decades, operating as an individual advocate, a community organiser, and a driving force behind some of Western Australia's most dedicated grassroots networks. Her work has ranged from supporting individuals navigating the asylum system here in WA, to playing a role in resettling people previously held in Nauru to freedom in Canada through the Canadian Community Resettlement Scheme. Betty has generously shared her personal must-read and must-watch lists for anyone wanting to better understand what people seeking asylum have experienced. All books are available at your local library.
📚BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY BETTY
No Friend but the Mountains – Behrouz Boochani (2018)
Writing from Manus Prison, No Friend by the Mountains is an autobiographical account of Behrouz Boochani's perilous journey to Christmas Island and his subsequent incarceration in an Australian government immigration detention facility on Manus Island.
Escape from Manus – Jaivet Ealom (2021)
An autobiographical memoir by Rohingya refugee Jaivet Ealom documenting his escape from the genocide in Myanmar, his journey to Indonesia, his arrest upon arrival in Australia, and detention in the Australian offshore detention centres on Manus Island.
The People Smuggler – Robin de Crespigny (2017)
The gripping, inspiring story of Ali Al Jenabi’s escape from Saddam Hussein's torture chambers and incredible international odyssey through the shadowy world of fake passports, crowded camps and illegal border crossings.
After the Tampa – Abbas Nazari (2021)
The heart-rending story of a child Tampa refugee who grew up to become a Fulbright scholar. Abbas tells his amazing story, from living under Taliban rule to spending a terrifying month at sea, and then building a new life at the bottom of the world.
The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif – Najaf Mazari (2008)
As a member of the Hazara tribe, Najaf was forced to flee the brutal attacks on his people when the Northern Alliance fell to the advancing Taliban insurgents. From Pakistan, to Indonesia, then by boat to Australia, ends with incarceration in Woomera, where the story begins.
Still Alive (Graphic Novel) – Safdar Ahmed (2021)
Drawing from Safdar Ahmed's experiences as a volunteer in Sydney's Villawood detention centre, this work of graphic journalism highlights Australia’s policies towards refugees, containing testimonies of refugees and workers in a system that is often decried by human rights organisations for its cruelty.
Consider suggesting one of these to your book club for a great read and lively discussion!
Refugee Week: Join the Conversation
Saturday 20 June | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Subiaco Library
Refugee Week is a time for communities across Australia to pause, listen, and deepen their understanding of the experiences of people who have often fled unimaginable hardship in search of safety and a place to call home.
This year, the Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD) invite you to join us for Refugee Week: Join the Conversation - a free community presentation at the Subiaco Library on Saturday 20 June.
This is an opportunity to hear directly from the people at the heart of the work, outlining the current landscape for people seeking asylum in Australia, the barriers to safety and stability, and what life looks like for those rebuilding from the ground up.
You’ll hear client stories of resilience, courage, and the profound difference that access to the right support can make for those seeking asylum.
Refugee Week is a reminder that showing up can take many forms. Sometimes it's a donation. Sometimes it's volunteering, or advocating, or simply taking an hour on a Saturday morning to listen and learn.
Attendees are encouraged to bring the following donation items for the CARAD Pantry:
Flour
Oil
Tinned tomatoes
Basmati Rice
UHT Milk
Dried legumes
Tinned chickpeas
Hair shampoo and conditioner
Deodorant
Laundry detergent
Toilet cleaner
Multipurpose cleaner
Sanitary pads
Saturday 20 June 2026 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Subiaco Library, Subiaco WA
Entry is free and all are welcome.
Register now via Eventbrite
CARAD Has A New Home!
We are delighted to announce that we have now moved to our forever home!
Over the past two years, we have been working tirelessly to find a new home for CARAD. For the last last six months, we have been operating from two temporary locations. We are thrilled that we can now provide all our services under the one roof. This includes:
CARAD Pantry, providing groceries, fresh produce and hygiene items
Opening Doors, supporting clients with education, employment coaching and social inclusion support
Client Services, helping clients navigate the many challenges they face, from securing accommodation and financial support to healthcare access and case work
Our new location is 164 Burswood Road, Burswood WA 6100. It’s close to public transport and there is plenty of parking available in the area.
Reaching this milestone of securing our forever home would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our community, supporters and funders — and we are deeply thankful to every one of you.
We would like to extend our heartfelt and special thanks to Lotterywest, whose significant grant was instrumental in making this dream a reality. Their support will have a profound and lasting impact on CARAD.
We are proud that during these times of great uncertainty, we have remained steadfast in delivering our crucial services and we will continue to do so with the same dedication and care.
We look forward to welcoming you at our new home.
In Limbo: A Conversation on Seeking Asylum in WA - Join us on 22nd April 2026
You're invited to join us for an evening of conversation and connection about the experiences of people seeking humanitarian protection in WA. This panel discussion brings together four experts from across WA's humanitarian sector spanning from lived experience, migration law, grassroots advocacy, and government, to speak openly about the asylum seeker and refugee experience in our state.
Date: Wednesday 22 April
Time: 5:30pm
Where: University Club of Western Australia
Bring a friend and join us for what promises to be an insightful and meaningful night. Seats are free for CARAD members and a suggested $10 donation for others - please note that RSVPs are essential.
The evening's panelists will include:
Betty McGeever is a retired public librarian and longtime activist for refugees and asylum seekers, at many levels, solo and in advocacy groups. Betty has supported individuals in WA and has been involved in resettling those previously held in Nauru to freedom and citizenship in Canada via the Canadian community resettlement scheme. I
Ehsan Nazamyar is originally from Afghanistan. He and his family (his wife and their son at the time) arrived in Australia in 2011. Due to unsafe conditions in his home country, Ehsan spent most of his life outside Afghanistan as an asylum seeker and refugee. Ehsan currently works at CARAD as a case worker. Through his work and service to the community, Ehsan hopes to continue contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Janine Freeman, is a social equity advocate and former WA Member of Parliament. Having represented the most multicultural electorate in Western Australia, Janine was privileged to work with and advocate for people from diverse, ethnic, faith, language, and cultural backgrounds. Janine now pursues her passion for advocacy volunteering for various not for profit organisations and works as a non-executive director at GESB Super, Water Corporation, National Museum of Australia and Anglicare.
Teresa Lee has over a decade of experience working alongside people seeking asylum in Australia. She began her career as a social worker and later practised in refugee law, supporting individuals and communities to navigate complex barriers to seeking asylum. Teresa has extensive experience in systemic advocacy, promoting fairer policies and pathways to permanent protection. She now works as a caseworker at CARAD, bringing in-depth legislative knowledge and a trauma-informed approach to her work.
We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVPs are required. Please reserve your seat here! GiveNow - In Limbo: A Conversation on Seeking Asylum in WA
Please reach out to office@carad.org.au with any questions.
Government passes new laws to revoke Australian visas to those escaping conflict
Opening Doors Program Continues Making Impacts
Through our Opening Doors program, CARAD provides personalised assistance in education, literacy, English language training and employment coaching. The one-on-one, trauma-informed support helps refugees and people seeking asylum navigate life in Western Australia.
Our clients face significant barriers including educational gaps from displacement, unrecognised foreign qualifications, unfamiliar employment systems, limited English proficiency and social isolation due to language and cultural differences - challenges intensified by trauma, discrimination and lack of support networks. Since 2015, the Opening Doors Program has helped build foundational skills and confidence to break cycles of disadvantage.
The Opening Doors Coordinator, Indra Croasdale, shares some insights about CARAD’s largest growing program.
1. What does a typical journey look like for someone who comes through the Opening Doors Program?
A typical journey begins with understanding the person’s immediate needs — educational gaps, employment barriers, and social isolation, as well as recognising their strengths and understanding what has worked well in the past. We then match them with committed volunteers who provide mentorship and advocacy.
From there, we provide support, continuously exploring the best available options that meet clients where they are at. Clients' needs commonly change, so does the support offered. We have the most amazing volunteers who meet weekly with the client and together work on agreed goals. It is a process that requires creativity, open-mindedness, but more than anything - kindness.
We provide homework and education support, employability preparation — resume development, interview skills, and explore pathways into training or work. Throughout the process, we encourage social engagement to rebuild confidence and belonging. The journey is about moving from instability to independence.
2. What has been the most significant impact of the Opening Doors Program?
The most significant impact is restoring dignity and hope. Many of the people we support face systemic barriers: language challenges, learning gaps, limited recognition of qualifications, trauma, unemployment, and social isolation.
The Opening Doors program provides not just practical support, but relational support. It rebuilds confidence, reconnects people to opportunity, and creates a pathway forward. We don’t just help people to reach their goals or access services — we help them rebuild their lives.
3. What does success look like for someone who has gone through the Opening Doors Program?
It might mean securing employment, completing education, improving language skills, or confidently participating in community life. However, success is not always measured by visible change in education or employment but by consistent engagement and trust. Even when outcomes remain the same, meaningful human connection strengthens dignity, confidence and sense of belonging.
Success is when someone no longer sees themselves as a recipient of support, but as a contributor — someone who feels confident, capable, and connected.
4. Is there a client story that stands out as especially transformative?
One client's story stands out as especially transformative. An asylum seeker from Afghanistan arrived in Australia on the last boat permitted to stay and was determined to rebuild his life.
He reached out to CARAD requesting support to improve his English. He was linked with an Opening Doors volunteer who continued supporting him over several years. A couple of years later, he was offered a scholarship with Curtin University. As a result, he lost access to income support payments. He then had to work and study full-time, but never gave up, and neither did we. He completed his studies and practical training, eventually securing a role with the same firm he trained at. In that role, he successfully helped other refugees obtain permanent residency, even while he himself remained on a temporary visa. Recently, he finally gained permanent residency, and soon after, his Australian citizenship was approved.
His journey from a newly arrived asylum seeker to a practising lawyer and citizen—advocating for others in the same position he once faced—reflects extraordinary resilience and impact.
5. What’s one moment that highlighted why this work matters?
A participant once said, “After arriving in Australia, I knew my children were safe. But we had so many challenges to overcome that at times I wondered if we would ever feel settled. Your support gives me hope. For the first time since arriving, I feel my family belongs here” It reminded me that beyond employment and education, this work is about restoring hope and a sense of belonging.
6. What do you learn from the people you work with?
I learn resilience. I witness displacement, uncertainty, and loss — yet the people that I meet remain determined. Their perseverance reinforces the importance of support combined with a genuine human connection.
7. What would you like the community to understand about people seeking asylum and refugees in this program?
I would like people to understand that asylum seekers and refugees bring skills, experience, and ambition. The barriers they face are systemic, and it has nothing to do with lack of motivation or ability. With the right support and opportunity, they contribute meaningfully to society.
I would like us all to remind ourselves that we all just people, trying to do our best to protect our loved ones and live life with dignity.
8. What are the biggest needs you’re seeing right now?
The biggest needs are access to sustainable employment, learning support for people who have limited prior formal learning, and social connectivity. There is also an increasing need for trauma-informed support and consistent mentorship.
9. How can the community better support the Opening Doors Program and the people it serves?
The community can support by volunteering time, offering work placements, recognising international experience, and creating inclusive spaces. Advocacy makes a huge difference — challenging misconceptions and promoting understanding can significantly reduce social barriers.
10. What’s the most rewarding part of coordinating this program?
The most rewarding part is getting to know our amazing clients, being part of their journey and witnessing transformation — seeing someone arrive feeling uncertain and leave feeling empowered. Watching confidence grow, networks expand, and opportunities open up makes the work deeply meaningful.