Funding for Migrant Resource Centre halted

Funding for Migrant Resource Centre halted

By Lynda Hansen

BRISBANE — An emergency meeting of Brisbane Migrant Resource Centre members and supporters was held on August 6 to plan a response to the federal government's decision to terminate the BMRC's funding. Annual funding of $238,000 was halted on July 27 by immigration minister Phillip Ruddock.

The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs alleged has alleged that the BMRC is dysfunctional and has management problems. The centre proposed a six-month reform plan and asked for no extra funding, but Ruddock rejected this as "unacceptable".

Ruddock says a committee of community and business leaders will be set up to advise on the establishment of a new migrant service delivery agency for Brisbane.

Chris Stanard, BMRC secretary, told Green Left Weekly the termination of funding was part of the government's plan to "corporatise migrant resource centres around Australia". The Cairns centre lost its funding in March.

The BMRC is a community organisation which has supported new migrants and refugees for 16 years. It provides employment services, English classes, emergency relief and advocacy, and organises the annual multicultural "Fiesta".

The BMRC is asking Green Left Weekly readers to send messages of support to PO Box 5325, West End, Qld 4101. Phone (07) 3844 8144 or fax (07) 3844 8146.

From GLW issue 328