The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is the national umbrella body for refugees and the organisations and individuals who support them. RCOA speaks up for flexible, humane and practical policies towards refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons, within Australia and internationally. It does this through national and international research; policy analysis; representation; training; and community education. A non-profit organisation with tax-deductible charity status, RCOA is funded through public donations, fees from its organisational and individual members, by foundations and through project work. The priority activities for RCOA are set by its members, as represented by an elected Board. The organisation’s policy and research work is informed by a constant process of consultation – convening regional forums and national teleconferences, attending interagency gatherings and meeting regularly with organisations and individuals across Australia. RCOA has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, enabling it to take the concerns of refugees to a wide range of UN gatherings, particularly those convened by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.