A south-west Victorian council says it will welcome refugees from Afghanistan after the US ended a 20-year effort to shape events in that country, opening floodgates to a Taliban takeover.
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Moyne Shire Council mayor Daniel Meade has written to Wannon MP Dan Tehan along with other federal ministers raising the possibility that the shire could be home to more refugees if the Australian intake rose.
"The Taliban takeover in recent weeks leaves us seriously concerned for the well-being and safety of the people of Afghanistan and those who worked closely with Australian and allied forces," Cr Meade said in the letter.
"We believe we have a responsibility to stand with Afghan citizens and provide shelter to those citizens who are likely to be persecuted by the new regime."
He pointed out that the south-west had workforce shortages in agriculture and in the construction industry.
"Our community is very welcoming and we are sure we would take up the challenge to host or resettle displaced Afghans leaving the dire circumstances they currently face," he said.
"Clearly the situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating very quickly.
"Moyne Shire is available to support the government and nurture Australia's long relationship with the Afghan people. Please engage with us if we can be part of a humanitarian solution."
We believe we have a responsibility to stand with Afghan citizens and provide shelter.
- Daniel Meade
The federal government last month announced that an initial 3000 humanitarian places would be allocated to Afghan nationals within Australia's overall annual humanitarian program of 13,750.
The Morrison government has faced calls from charities, churches and human rights groups to take 20,000 people.
Mr Tehan told The Standard at the time the initial intake represented "a floor, not a ceiling," which the government expected to further increase this year.
"We don't rule out an increase to the 13,750 cap if required. This comes on top of the 8500 Afghans Australia has already successfully resettled since 2013," he said.
A humanitarian disaster has been unfolding in the war-torn nation, despite at least 122,000 people being evacuated including more than 4000 in Australia's airlift.