The RISE Advocacy team seeks to generate positive political and social change in respect to attitudes and policies impacting refugees and asylum seekers. We achieve this by engaging with various bodies to advocate for refugee and asylum seeker rights, advance appropriate refugee and asylum seeker policies and encourage balanced and accurate media coverage of refugee and asylum seeker issues.

* Legal Advocacy: In partnership with various legal service providers, RISE provides ongoing confidential legal and immigration claim assistance for refugees and asylum seekers to ensure that their rights aren’t unjustly infringed. We also seek to educate refugee and asylum seeker communities as to their rights and responsibilities under Australian law, so as to enhance respect and confidence in the Australian legal system.

* Governmental Advocacy: RISE advocates for sensible, effective refugee and asylum seeker policies and initiatives, by engaging the various federal, state and local governmental agencies. We lobby these agencies opposing unjust and inhumane policies, whilst maintaining effective constructive engagement to enhance refugee and asylum seeker service standards and address deficiencies.

* Media Advocacy: The RISE media advocacy team seeks to increase balanced and accurate media coverage of refugee and asylum seekers in Australia by issuing media releases and developing good local links with journalists.

* Community Education: RISE seeks to educate the public and raise awareness about the various issues facing refugees and asylum seekers. In doing so, we seek to address negative myths about refugees and asylum seekers and underlying cultural tension within Australian society.

* Research & Publishing: RISE conducts independent, in-depth research and publishes findings that are relevant to the various issues facing refugees and asylum seekers. In doing so we strive to articulate & promote refugee and asylum seeker voices into wider political, academic and social frameworks.