Australia Approaches Milestone of One Million Refugees Since WWII

As Australia prepares to welcome its one millionth refugee since World War II, the nation reflects on the profound impact that resettled individuals have had on its cultural and economic landscape. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the milestone is expected to be reached in November 2025, with over 985,000 refugees officially accepted since the end of the war. This significant figure underscores a complex history of migration policies and the evolving narrative surrounding national identity and immigration.

The journey to this landmark began in 1947 when the Chifley Labor government expanded the scope of immigration to include non-British refugees, marking a pivotal shift from the restrictive "White Australia" policy that had dominated since federation. Notably, the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 catalyzed a new wave of refugees, as the then-Coalition government established an official intake program for those fleeing war and persecution.

Individuals like Sidiqa Faqihi, who fled Afghanistan and spent over a decade in limbo in Indonesia, exemplify the struggles faced by refugees seeking safety and opportunity. "For the first time, I could influence my own future," Faqihi stated upon her arrival in Australia in 2022. Her story highlights the resilience of refugees and their contributions to Australian society, despite the challenges they face.

Similarly, Thu-Trang Tran, who fled Vietnam with her family in the late 1980s, recalls the harrowing journey that brought them to safety. As a board director for various organizations, Tran emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for refugees. "We get to live without fear, and we get to live being able to make the most of what the community provides us," she remarked.

The political landscape surrounding refugee intake has been contentious. The Howard government initiated offshore processing in 2001 in response to the Tampa incident, which saw asylum seekers attempting to reach Australian shores. This policy was met with significant criticism and has undergone various changes over the years, with a continued emphasis on offshore processing under the Abbott government’s "Operation Sovereign Borders."

As of the end of 2024, only 93 refugees remained in offshore processing facilities in Nauru, according to the Refugee Council of Australia. Advocacy groups, including the United Nations, have criticized Australia’s treatment of refugees, claiming violations of human rights standards. Faqihi calls for Australia to enhance its role as a regional leader by expanding resettlement programs for those still in limbo, particularly in neighboring countries.

While the UK accepted 93,342 refugees and the US resettled 100,034 in the 2023-24 financial year, Australia’s commitment to welcoming refugees remains a point of debate within its political discourse. The Department of Home Affairs has announced a refugee program for the upcoming 2024-25 financial year, allowing for 20,000 places.

Despite the ongoing political discourse, both Faqihi and Tran emphasize the moral imperative of refugee resettlement. "I just hope that Australians continue to take refugees, not because we might add value or anything, but because it’s the right thing to do," Tran expressed.

As Australia nears this significant milestone, the collective experiences and contributions of refugees continue to shape the fabric of Australian society, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs that accompany the journey toward safety and belonging.