'We lose a day's wage for processing a document': The high cost of access for many Filipinos living in the regional areas

SBS FILIPINO IN TOOWOOMBA

Filipino community members say many migrants in regional areas remain unaware of essential support services due to limited outreach and localised information. Credit: Matt Ryan MRP Images

For many Filipinos in regional towns of Queensland, the simple process of obtaining a document or service from the government, whether from Australia or the Philippines, means long travels, transportation costs, and taking time off work.


Key Points
  • During an interview with SBS Filipino, several community members talked about their experiences living in Roma, Dalby, and Toowoomba, regional towns located three to six hours from Brisbane.
  • Community members say they feel left behind due to the slow pace of digital transformation in public service delivery.
  • Experts and community leaders believe that involving communities in program planning is essential to ensure the initiatives are effective and tailored to their needs.

SBS Filipino is currently awaiting the official statement or response of the Philippine Consulate and Philippine Embassy regarding this issue.


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