Rights groups shut out of refugee crisis plans

Aid agencies and rights groups have accused the Government of shutting them out of efforts to tackle the refugee crisis.

They say they have had to put offers of money, accommodation, and expertise on hold because they are not being included in whatever official preparations are belatedly being made.

Sixteen organisations have formed a coalition to push for a coherent, united response from state agencies and civil society at a critical juncture when they say the Government is wasting time talking only to itself.