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ABOUT RACSHistory | Aims | Networks | Activities | Recent InitiativesRACS' MOST RECENT INITIATIVESTPV Legal ProjectIn 2002, a new project was initiated, the Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) Legal Project. This Project was established to assist the large number of refugees whose three year TPVs were about to expire and who required legal assistance with applications for further protection. RACS coordinates the TPV Legal Project. The Project is steered by the NSW Asylum Seekers Inter-agencys TPV Legal Working Group. In 2003, this project trained 60 volunteer solicitors to assist refugees holding TPVs and, in 2004, another 55 volunteer solicitors. This service is especially important as almost all of the 4,100 TPV holders residing in NSW are not eligible for translating and interpreting services, family reunion nor the full range of services provided to other refugees in Australia. About 190 TPV holders utilised this service throughout 2003-2004. Between 1 July 2004 and 16 March 2005, the project has assisted 118 TPV holders. Development of Refugee Law Practice and Procedure Training Seminars and Resource Handbook RACS, funded by the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW, is currently developing a legal education training program and accompanying handbook. The training and handbook will have a practical legal focus, directed to assist practitioners to provide migration advice to asylum seekers and refugees. This handbook will also be a useful hard copy resource for practitioners engaging in comprehensive case assistance. The procedure and practice components to this training and resource handbook will focus on the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) and Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT), and Ministerial (MIMIA) levels. Working with RACS | Education and Training | Publications | Links | Donating to RACS |