This pre-budget submission from the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia (MYAN) urges the Australian government to prioritise young people, particularly those from refugee and migrant backgrounds, in the 2022-23 budget. MYAN emphasises that responding to the needs of young people is crucial for a strong economic and social recovery in the post-COVID-19 environment. The submission highlights that young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, who comprise nearly half of Australia’s youth population, face significant structural barriers to economic and social participation.
The submission calls for targeted investments in several key areas: youth employment and income support, youth mental health, education, and social cohesion. MYAN proposes specific initiatives, including a CALD Youth Mental Health Traineeship pilot and a programme to strengthen state and territory responses to support young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The organisation also emphasises the need to address the digital divide and combat racism to promote social cohesion. Throughout the submission, MYAN stresses the importance of targeted, culturally responsive approaches to support the unique needs of young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
