The unfolding crisis in Afghanistan has rightly shocked the world and has deeply impacted Tasmanians who have friends and family in Kabul and the Tasmanian Government is committed to supporting our Afghanistan communities, their friends and family, and the vital service organisations that support them.
Yesterday a meeting was held by Jeremy Rockliff MP, Minister for Community Services and Development, and Madeleine Ogilvie, Member for Clark, together with members of the Afghanistan community to offer our support, and we remain in contact with local peak community groups to determine if any financial or other means of assistance are required from our State.
Member for Clark, Madeleine Ogilvie, today joined members of the Tasmanian Afghan community on the Parliament Lawns to express her support and concern.
“I am working with our local Afghan community leaders, as well as leaders within our multicultural communities, to identify any need for support for our Tasmanian Hazara community,” Ms Ogilvie said.
“We are also working with any local families who are struggling to make contact regarding the welfare of their loved ones in Kabul, and I have sought information regarding any Tasmanians who are directly impacted so we can activate a response where necessary.”
Minister for Community Services and Development, Jeremy Rockliff, acknowledged that coordinating humanitarian resettlement is extraordinarily complex, and thanks all stakeholders working to assist people impacted, here and abroad.
“We will continue working with the Commonwealth and service providers to better understand how we can assist current and future humanitarian efforts.”
If you or someone you know from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background in Tasmania needs mental health support, please discuss this with your service provider or health care provider.