The Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) has submitted a pre-budget proposal to the Australian Federal Government, highlighting key areas requiring urgent funding to support young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. The submission emphasises the need for targeted investment in income support, mental health services, digital literacy, and youth-specific settlement support. MYAN argues that such investment is critical for Australia’s prosperity and to address the impacts of the cost of living crisis and systemic issues affecting this vulnerable group.
MYAN recommends several measures, including lifting social security payments above the poverty line, expanding eligibility for the Status Resolution Support Service, and improving access to concessions for asylum seekers. The organisation also calls for increased funding for mental health services, including the reinstatement of additional subsidised visits to mental health professionals. Furthermore, MYAN proposes investment in a National Youth Settlement Strategy to provide a coordinated and targeted approach to supporting young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds throughout their settlement journey. This strategy aims to improve economic, social, and civic outcomes for young people and contribute to a strong, unified multicultural Australia.
