News & Stories
Stories from the community and what we’re working on.
Plain-English updates on policy, service changes and things that matter to the people we work with.
-
What’s fact and what’s misunderstood about migration in Australia
Australia’s migration and multicultural discussions are often shaped by headlines and opinion, which can make it hard to know what is accurate. The following six common statements are frequently raised in public debate. We contrast them with a simple, evidence-based summary of what research in Australia actually shows. ustralia’s migration system is complex, but broad…
-
The Power of Partnership
Refugees do not choose to flee. They leave behind homes, careers, communities, and everything familiar because staying has become impossible. The people who walk through RAILS’ doors every day are looking for someone to help them find safety and a future. These are human beings in extraordinary circumstances, and how we respond to them as…
-
Understanding the New ‘Arrival Determination’ Framework in Australian Migration Law
In March, Parliament passed new laws that can affect people wanting to travel to Australia from conflict zones (the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026). It amended the Migration Act to give the Minister new powers to issue ‘arrival determinations’ when events happen outside Australia which make it less likely that temporary visa holders will want to leave Australia when…
-
When the Phone Rings
The call comes in on an ordinary Tuesday. On the other end of the line is Soe Win*, originally from Myanmar. He has been living in Australia for several years, working, building a life, waiting. He has just received a notice from the Department of Home Affairs requesting further information. The deadline is days away. Justin*,…
-
A Different Language
Paulini has always lived in fear – “As a woman, a single mother, I always felt unsafe. I was always in fear. For myself and my children.“ When she made the decision to leave Papua New Guinea, she did what she had to do. She escaped with her youngest daughter. Her other children stayed behind.…
-
From Volunteer to National Award-Winner: Emma Fell’s Journey for Justice
RAILS Solicitor Named Young Australian Migration Lawyer of the Year When Senior Solicitor Emma Fell was announced as the 2026 Young Australian Migration Lawyer of the Year, her first reaction was uncomplicated. “I was very surprised!” For those who have worked alongside Emma at RAILS, the reaction is equally uncomplicated, though considerably less surprised. Emma…
-
A Call for Leadership: Partner with RAILS in 2026
Demand for RAILS’ legal expertise has reached a critical breaking point. Behind every request for help is a family in crisis, for whom any delay in assistance is an eternity to live in fear and uncertainty. To tackle this, we are launching our inaugural flagship event: Flavours of Hope. We are looking for foundational corporate partners and…
-
Kataryna’s Journey- Home and Not Home!
Trapped by War The phone rang before dawn.“They’re bombing Kyiv,” a relative cried. From my home in a small village in northern Ukraine, just ten kilometres from the Russian border, I could hear explosions echoing in the distance. The sky was still black, the air freezing. I tried ringing my mother in Kyiv, but no…
-
Meet Our Principal Solicitor: Dr. Ben Carrick
Ben joined RAILS in 2020 and was appointed Principal Solicitor in October 2025. He leads our legal team in delivering justice and support to people across Queensland. But there’s more to Ben than his impressive legal expertise. In this Q&A, we get a glimpse into his motivations, experiences, and even what he enjoys outside of work — from tackling complex legal…