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Community Services and Development – Women on Temporary Visas


Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP

Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP  -  Wednesday, 8 June 2022

Tags: Women, Community

Dr WOODRUFF - In the few minutes we have left, I want to bring to your attention a report by Women's Health Tasmania about migrant women on temporary visas. You are responsible for multicultural -

Mr STREET - I am.

Dr WOODRUFF - I don't know if you've seen that they have prepared this report called Talking to Women on Temporary Visas. Lucinda Shannon did the work.

Mr STREET - No.

Dr WOODRUFF - It has raised this terrible vulnerability for migrant women on temporary visas. They fall through every single safety net and are in a particularly vulnerable situation. I wonder if you would agree to speak to Women's Health Tasmania about the findings of the report. I will give you a copy if you would like to have a look at it.

Mr STREET - I am more than willing and happy.

Dr WOODRUFF - They gave a presentation to the National Council for Women in Tasmania and it was very moving to understand there is a group of people who are invisible. It would be good if you could talk to them about what needs to be done and what could be done. A lot of it is federal but the safety net situation - they live in Tasmania, they are vulnerable in Tasmania so we have a responsibility to do what we can here as well.

Mr STREET - I have met with MCOT and both MRC Tasmania and MRC North. I haven't seen the report and it wasn't raised as a particular issue at the time but I am more than happy to meet with Women's Health Tasmania, after I have read the report, and discuss it. I know that what you are saying regarding gaps in service delivery do exist for different visa categories and the supports that are available to them. More than happy to read the report then meet with Women's Health Tasmania.

Dr WOODRUFF - Thank you. It underscores the importance of organisations like Women's Health Tasmania who work broadly across so many different groups and they can bring this information to light.