$34 million to enhance Australian settlement services
29 May 2009
The Australian Government will spend $34 million next financial year on services to help refugees and migrants settle into their new communities, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
'This is an exciting and significant funding allocation, which will make a real difference to the lives of many new Australians,' Mr Ferguson said.
From July 1, a total of 205 projects delivered through 136 organisations will be funded as part of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) settlement grants program (SGP), which aims to help refugees and migrants become self-reliant, contribute to the national economy and acquire crucial life skills and knowledge about life in Australia.
'I thank and commend SGP-funded organisations for their immense contribution to the positive and successful settlement of people who are new to our nation,' Mr Ferguson said.
The 2009–10 SGP funding round will include $21 million for new projects.
'These projects will help people to make the cultural transition into Australian life by building on their existing skills, and at the same time, helping them to learn valuable new ones. This support will provide real assistance for people starting new lives in Australia,' Mr Ferguson said.
DIAC’s settlement grants program was introduced nationwide in July 2006, to support refugees and migrants with low levels of English.
During the 2009–10 financial year, the program will provide $34 million to organisations right across Australia, with projects funded in every state and territory.
Some of the successful applicant organisations include migrant resource centres, multicultural service agencies, educational institutions, community groups and welfare organisations.
A complete list of successful applicants in the 2009–10 funding round is available on the DIAC website.See: www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/delivering-assistance/settlement-grants
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09025.htm
Last update: 29 May 2009 at 11:24 AEST