Response to the Department of Home Affairs ‘Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2023-24 Discussion Paper’

This submission is a response to the Department of Home Affairs’ discussion paper on Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2023-24. It focuses on the unique needs and challenges faced by young people arriving in Australia through the Humanitarian Program. The submission highlights the importance of tailored, youth-specific settlement services and advocates for a more coordinated and consistent approach to supporting these young people. Key recommendations include expanding the definition of vulnerable populations, improving the design of settlement services, and enhancing data collection to monitor and improve settlement outcomes. The submission also addresses the need for specialised support for vulnerable cohorts, such as LGBTQI+ refugees and those arriving through the Women at Risk visa.