Media Release by Senator the Hon Zed Seselja

Increasing the emphasis on English, Education and Employment

Over the past six months, the Australian Government has undertaken significant reforms to change the way we approach the humanitarian settlement process. Today, the final step of this process has begun with the Request for Tender being released.

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs, Senator Zed Seselja, said the new Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) has an innovative approach to improving outcomes and supporting the settlement of humanitarian and other vulnerable migrants to Australia.

“The streamlined HSP provides individualised case management support, which prioritises integration and independence of humanitarian migrants in their settlement journey,” Assistant Minister Seselja said.

“Australia has a long and proud tradition of resettling refugees and vulnerable people in humanitarian need, particularly those fleeing life-threatening conflict in their home countries.

“Central to this reform is improving English, education and employment outcomes, ensuring humanitarian arrivals have the best chance at thriving in Australia.

“We have a very strong settlement sector in Australia, and we are confident in its ability to respond to the new program,” he concluded.

For more information on Australia’s settlement services, go to the DSS website.