Using the event of Refugee Week, the Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia announced the launch of the Asylum Seeker Hub program. It is expected that up to 800 asylum seekers may be eligible for an ASH concession and discounted public transport.

It is hoped the program will help asylum seekers assimilate into the broader Australian community by encouraging access to public transport which will have flow on effects into employment, reducing social isolation and improving language skills.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for an ASH concession SmartRider, asylum seekers will need to live in Western Australia, not be in full-time education, not be in full-time employment and be holding or currently applying for a bridging visa as an asylum seeker, or appealing a determination of status as an asylum seeker.

Take note that you will need to have your application taken to one of the following agencies before lodging with Transperth:

• Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors (ASeTTS), 286 Beaufort St, Perth
• Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD) 245 Stirling St, Perth
• Australian Red Cross, Migration Support Programs, 110 Goderich St, Perth
• The Humanitarian Group, 445 Hay St, Perth
• Riverview Community Services, 1 Thorogood St, Burswood
• Welcome to Australia, 1 Thorogood St, Burswood
• Mercycare, 6 Cecil Avenue, Cannington.

More information can be found on the Transperth website.

Click here for the Media Statement from the Minister (Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, Minister for Tourism; Racing and Gaming; Small Business; Defence Issues; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests)

Contact West Aussie Migration today if you have any questions, through our website’s contact form or our Facebook page.