AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Australia commits $32 million to help new migrants

Wednesday, 13 June 2007

Australia has committed $32 million to services aimed at helping refugees and other new migrants to integrate into the mainstream community, an increase from last year's $31 million.

The project funding, also known as the Settlement Grants Programme (SGP), will cover 2007-08 and include $19 million for 231 new projects provided by 149 community organisations.

Assistant Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Teresa Gambaro said the SGP funding would help migrants and refugees build practical skills to allow them to connect to the Australian community, such as obtaining a driver’s license and learn the road rules, access medical services, and help their children succeed in school.

‘It is important migrants and refugees quickly develop a general understanding of the Australian community and its values so they can integrate quickly to make the most of the opportunities available in Australia,’ she said.

Ms. Gambaro said that these grants were also provided to help new and emerging communities establish themselves, build mutual assistance and participate in the wider community.

‘The organisations funded through the SGP grants are doing a wonderful job to support their clients at the grass roots level, and I expect this new round of grants will build upon the excellent range of services already in place,’ said Ms. Gambaro.

Communities in regional Australia have received forty grants to assist with new migrants and refugees settling in those areas.

The SGP was introduced in 2005 following a review of settlement services programmes funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). It is a discretionary, application based grants programme with the decision to award grants made by the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.