NSW Government develops new strategy for settlement of refugees and asylum seekers

·

With humanitarian crises gripping the world and more people asking to call Australia home, the NSW Government has developed a new nation-leading strategy to better integrate people from refugee backgrounds and those seeking asylum into communities so they can thrive.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure, said the NSW Settlement Strategy represents the first time any level of government in Australia has a dedicated plan focused on helping people not just on their arrival but throughout their entire settlement journey.

“When it comes to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum, the NSW Government has consistently stood up and taken on more responsibilities than we are charged with to make sure no one is left behind,” Mr Coure said.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism and Seniors, Mark Coure

“While we don’t control the number of people the Federal Government allows into NSW, we can be better prepared. This new strategy helps us do this by providing a structured, whole-of-government focus to better support the people that come into our state.”

Mr Coure highlighted that since 2015, over 35,000 people have permanently settled in NSW due to humanitarian crises, including more than 20,000 people from Syria and Iraq, 1,400 people that have escaped Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul, and 1,500 Ukrainian nationals that have escaped Russia’s invasion.

“Everyone’s needs are different, which is especially the case for refugees and people seeking asylum. That is why this Strategy was developed with lived experience at its centre, ensuring people can thrive,” Mr Coure said.

“This means coordinating the specific needs of refugees and people seeking asylum across government, such as housing, healthcare, employment opportunities, language services and even family and social support.

“By having a whole-of-government approach to their settlement journey, we will be supporting people to be active citizens in their communities.”

More than 80 percent of refugees settle in the Greater Sydney region, with the remainder spread across primary settlement locations in the regional NSW settlement locations of Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Armidale, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Wollongong.

Photo: Ahmed akacha / pexels.com

The Strategy primarily focuses on people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds within the first ten years of settlement in NSW.

People from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds include people who come to Australia permanently through the Refugee and Humanitarian Program, Community Support Program, Family Reunion and Partner streams, and other similar pathways.

The Strategy also includes people with unstable statuses, such as some bridging visa holders and people on temporary humanitarian visas.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

How Maih Porfyri’s career pivot took her from fashion to the Paralympics

Maih Porfyri had only been in her job for a few months before she was whisked away on a trip to Paris to cover the Paralympic Games.

My partner doesn’t speak Greek – Can we still raise bilingual kids?

You can absolutely raise bilingual children, even if only one parent speaks Greek. Across the world, countless families do so successfully.

Joint bank accounts: Who gets the money?

All people named in a joint account are privy to the money by Law. Most of us have opened accounts at various bank branches.

Vergina considered among the world’s most mysterious destinations

Featured alongside global wonders, Vergina earns its place through a mystery that has eluded scholars for centuries.

Gender in Modern Greek: Dr Angeliki Alvanoudi to give online seminar

The aim of the seminar is to examine the role of Greek gendered terms in sustaining social gender ideologies that reinforce sexism.

You May Also Like

Professor Peter Psaltis leads landmark discovery in tissue regeneration research

The SAHMRI scientists discovered a new type of cell that potentially could enhance the future of tissue repair and regeneration.

Plans to create the tallest tower in Greece revealed

Foster+Partners has unveiled its design for Marina Tower, a residential project set to become the tallest building in Greece.

AHEPA NSW holds its 68th annual convention in Sydney

The 68th annual Convention of the Order of AHEPA NSW was held at AHEPA NSW Hall in Rockdale on Sunday 27 November.