New peak body to help multicultural youth
30 June 2009
The establishment of a new peak advisory body will provide a nationally coordinated approach to advocacy for multicultural youth issues, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, announced today.
‘The government has recognised the need for advocacy for young migrants and refugees in Australia and this project will play a significant part in improving the lives of these young people,’ Mr Ferguson said.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has provided $285 000 to the National Multicultural Youth Advisory Network (NMYAN) through its Diverse Australia Program for the two-year project.
‘The National Multicultural Youth Advisory Network will build the capacity of youth agencies and networks around the country to meet the needs of young refugees and migrants,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘The majority of refugees who come to Australia under our humanitarian programs are young people under the age of 30.
‘Along with other newly arrived young people with culturally diverse backgrounds, they face significant challenges when settling into their new country including learning English, negotiating the education system, coming to terms with a new culture and finding jobs and housing.
‘Many of these young people have to deal with these issues without the support of family or the established networks that other young Australians are able to draw upon. Unfortunately, they can also experience racism and discrimination along the way.’
The project, which will be administered by the Centre for Multicultural Youth in Victoria, will also develop the structures necessary to establish NMYAN as the national peak advisory body.
‘I would especially like to recognise Ms Carmel Guerra, Director of the Centre for Multicultural Youth, for her continued commitment to assisting refugee youth in need. Ms Guerra’s valued work is not only recognised through her role as Director, but also as an active member of the national Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council,’ said Mr Ferguson.
The Diverse Australia Program helps local communities address cultural, racial and religious intolerance and works with different levels of government and community organisations to empower grassroots action.
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09037.htm
Last update: 30 June 2009 at 10:37 AEST