Canberra announces more support for migrant and refugee services

Posted on 31 Jul 2023

By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia

Not-for-profit organisations helping refugees and migrants settle in Australia have welcomed a $2.6 million federal funding boost.

The cash injection for the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) program was announced by Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles.

The new funding will help alleviate pressure from rising wages of workers delivering the SETs program and increasing operating costs driven by inflation.

Settlement Services Australia CEO, Violet Roumeliotis said the extra money would ease the pressure faced by organisations such as hers – which helps more than 50,000 people a year – that are on the frontline of supporting newly arrived migrants and refugees.

“With Australia’s migration and humanitarian programs expanding, the country is set to welcome approximately one million people over the next five years,” said Ms Roumeliotis.

“Settlement services are fundamental to this process and must be adequately resourced and supported.”

Ms Roumeliotis said proper resourcing of settlement providers meant they could better support the communities they serve.

“So, we welcome this as an investment in our sector, but also in the future prosperity of migrants and refugees who come to Australia to build new lives.”

Mr Giles said the extra funding will provide greater job stability to the sector which helps new migrants find work, homes, and other support.

SSI refugee migrant services — A Settlement Services Australia orientation session for new arrivals.

He said the announcement was particularly important for women, who make up a considerable proportion of the settlement sector workforce, with includes many people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“These workers are supporting some of our most vulnerable residents, ensuring they can successfully make Australia their new home – they deserve secure jobs and good pay,” said Mr Giles.

“Australia is a diverse nation, so settlement work is more important now than ever before if we are to help more people make Australia home and assist them in realising their full potential.”

“These workers are supporting some of our most vulnerable residents, ensuring they can successfully make Australia their new home – they deserve secure jobs and good pay.”

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles.

Sandra Elhew, CEO of the Settlement Council of Australia, said a recent survey by her organisation revealed more than 87% of providers delivering the SETS program had reduced staff or indicated that their workforce would be cut if funding pressures were not resolved.

“This funding will provide much-needed relief to organisations that are a central pillar of our successful multicultural society,” said Ms Elhew.

“We applaud the government’s commitment in working towards a sustainable settlement sector that can attract and retain a skilled workforce.”

Ms Roumeliotis said the extra financial assistance would come as a relief to smaller community-based organisations, many of which are finding it increasingly difficult to survive.

“I’ve been in touch with a number of regional settlement organisations that are struggling to keep the doors open,” she said.

“Due to rising costs, many providers are at imminent risk of closure or unable to meet the priority needs in their communities.”

While welcoming the cash injection, Ms Roumeliotis said further pressure could be taken off service providers by streamlining administrative red tape, through merging some services.

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