Media Releases

We know that refugees and other new migrants contribute to Queensland in so many different ways, which is why we're pleased that an independent review into refugee settlement has shown that Australian economic and social life will significantly benefit by improving the coordination of refugee settlement services and by harnessing the strengths of refugees and the goodwill of welcoming communities across Australia.

The review findings, outlined in the report Investing in Refugees, Investing in Australia: the findings of a Review into Integration, Employment and Settlement Outcomes for Refugees and Humanitarian Entrants in Australia, are based on consultation with over 90 individuals or organisations and 57 submissions.  Multicultural Australia CEO Kerrin Benson was a member of the review panel, contributing her 16-years of expertise leading refugee settlement in Queensland.

Importantly, the review findings are consistent with priority areas Multicultural Australia has already identified in its Strategic Plan 2019-2022, demonstrating that Multicultural Australia is leading best practice in refugee settlement and is well-placed to support the implementation of the review’s recommendations in Queensland.

In particular, we welcome the opportunity to work closely with the government and our sector colleagues to better measure the success of how we settle newcomers to Australia through the development of a results-based performance regime. Multicultural Australia has already implemented the Results Based Accountability method to capture the outcomes and impact of our work with the early childhood sector and to support our statewide collaboration of settlement stakeholders.  We look forward to the opportunity to contribute this expertise and experience to help improve the planning, design and evaluation of Australia's settlement service frameworks.

Multicultural Australia has long been a champion of regional settlement and the economic and social benefits it offers regional communities.  We’ve been settling refugees in Toowoomba and Rockhampton since 2011.  Recent research has demonstrated the success of settlement in Toowoomba compared to other locations nationally.  We're excited by the opportunity to support the implementation of a national strategy that supports regional settlement opportunities.

We encourage and support further initiatives to harness the incredible goodwill of Australians to welcome and offer friendship to refugees.  Multicultural Australia is building a social movement of welcoming Queenslanders, providing opportunities for the Australian public to take action and participate in a welcoming society.  It is one of our strategic pillars and a core focus of our vision and purpose. 

“We know that refugees bring enormous contributions to the Australian economy, our society and culture,” said Multicultural Australia Chair Peter Forday.

“And we know from our supporters that Queenslanders are looking for ways they can welcome refugees into their neighbourhoods and communities.  Multicultural Australia welcomes the appointment of a Commonwealth Coordinator-General for Migrant Services and we stand ready to offer our expertise to support the integration of refugee services.”

Media contact:

Sarah Pember 0422 089 628