Budget 2008-09 - Strengthening unity and community bonds
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
The Australian Government will invest almost $50 million over the next four years to strengthen measures to help migrants gain the language skills needed to join the Australian workforce.
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said today the 2008-09 Federal Budget provides $40 million for the Employment Pathways Program and commits $9.2 million to Traineeships in English and Work Readiness.
‘The pathways program will help people with the lowest levels of literacy learn English in formal and informal settings while introducing them to the Australian workforce,’ Senator Evans said. ‘The traineeships will help new migrants continue to learn English while they develop knowledge, skills and experience in Australian workplace culture.
‘Both programs funded over four years are designed to help migrants pursue an ongoing pathway to successful employment opportunities. Ensuring migrants are equipped for the workforce is an important economic objective in an environment of labour shortages which are adding to inflationary pressures.’
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said this 2008-09 commitment complements a decision to continue funding for the National Action Plan for Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security.
‘The 2008-09 Budget continues the $3.3 million annual funding to maintain National Action Plan initiatives in education, employment, community integration and enhancing national security,’ Mr Ferguson said.
The Budget also provided for a $1 million contribution in 2009-10 to the construction of the Mirrabooka Multicultural Centre in the northern suburbs of Perth.
‘These commitments show the Government’s integrated approach to community cohesion, providing English skills and other support for migrants to join the workforce and increase participation in mainstream society into the future,’ Mr Ferguson said.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce04-buget-08.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST