The Victorian Refugee Health Network welcomed the invitation for consultation on the management and composition of the Australian Humanitarian Program 2026-27, including options for strengthening settlement outcomes for refugees and humanitarian entrants.

The Australian Government’s Humanitarian Program is a vital contribution to global protection efforts, providing resettlement for people seeking safety due to conflict, persecution and/or human rights abuses. In the context of ongoing global instability, increasing humanitarian emergencies, and a reduction of resettlement places around the world, the management and composition of Australia’s Humanitarian Program has become even more critical.

Health and wellbeing is identified as a key domain in Australia’s National Settlement Framework; an important foundation to achieve positive settlement outcomes, and a critical enabler for Humanitarian Program entrants’ active engagement in a new society. This policy submission, prepared by the Victorian Refugee Health Network, highlights the need for sustainable efforts to be made to ensure positive health and wellbeing outcomes for all Humanitarian Program entrants.

If you have any questions regarding this Submission, please contact refugeehealth@foundationhouse.org.au