The Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) welcomes the Commonwealth Government's investment in multicultural youth, as announced in the 2015/16 Federal Budget.
MYAN National Coordinator, Nadine Liddy said with youth unemployment at an all time high, the Commonwealth’s emphasis on young people and a Youth Employment Strategy is timely.
“$105.7 million over five years will go towards helping vulnerable young people into employment including $22.1 million over 4 years to support young refugees and other vulnerable young migrants to build skills and confidence to equip them to participate in education or work.”
“We are delighted with this investment as it reflects a more targeted approach to supporting participation of young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds in the labour market.”
Amongst other committments was $14.5m to expand the Adult Migrant English Programme for 1 year to include refugees who hold temporary substantive visas. The programme provides up to 510 hours of English language tuition to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants to help them learn English language skills to assist with settlement in Australia.
In addition, a further $212 million is earmarked for a new youth transition to work program to help tackle long-term unemployment, including support for community organisations that help young people find jobs, apprenticeships and traineeships.
The MYAN looks forward to working with Government to support implementation across all states and territories.
