AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Australia Invests $34 Million to Support Migrants Living in Australia

Friday, 6 June 2008

Laurie Ferguson, Secretary for Multicultural Affairs & Settlement announced that the Australian Government would spend $34 million next financial year on services to assist the integration of migrants and refugees.

The funds are to be allocated to 230 projects run by 168 organisations as a part of the Settlement Grants Program (SGP) aimed at helping migrants and refugees become self-reliant, contribute to the Australian work force and acquire the life skills and knowledge they need to settle in Australia.

"These projects will assist migrants and refugees in their cultural transition in Australia and build on their existing skills for their successful settlement," Mr Ferguson said.

The SGP is aimed to assist refugees, family sponsored migrants and the dependants of those on skilled migration visas with poor levels of English, and will fund services such as assistance with finding rental housing, youth services, family services, community health services, and many more.

"The organisations funded through the SGP are to be commended for their contribution to the positive and successful settlement of migrants and refugees in Australia" said Mr Ferguson.

Migrant Resource Centres across Australia, multicultural service agencies, Islamic Women’s Associations and the St Vincent de Paul Society were some of the organisations that received funding under this initiative.

With extra funding to these key areas of community & migrant services, refugees and migrants living in Australia can benefit from greater services & support when they arrive and while they settle into the community.

If you are interested in living & working in Australia, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Australia.