Date Time
Deep concerns over military presence in South West and Western Sydney
With defence force personnel joining police in South West and Western Sydney, ACOSS, NCOSS and community sector organisations are expressing deep concerns and urging governments to listen to, respect and act upon the calls of local community leaders.
Settlement Services International (SSI) CEO and ACOSS Board Director Violet Roumeliotis:
“Many South West Sydney residents are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including refugees, who are from war-torn countries and might see military presence as a threat. Many people residing in Sydney’s west are refugees who are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially mental health, due to traumatic events they have experienced in the past.