Migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia has welcomed the 2022-23 Federal Budget and particularly the provision of extra skilled, family and humanitarian visas.

Funding to make the delivery of English language tuition through the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) has also become more flexible.

AMES Australia also welcomed the announcement of more support for Ukrainian refugees, more free TAFE places and new funding to assist temporary visa holders who are experiencing domestic violence.

AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth welcomed the increase of the permanent visa program to 195,000 and the extra visas made available to Afghans and Ukrainians.

“We know that migration is a key driver of our economic prosperity and it has made us the vibrant multicultural nation we are. We see increased migration as key element in Australia recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current global economic downturn,” Ms Scarth said.

“We also welcome funding for flexibility in the AMEP program, which will mean people who are newly arrived to Australia will be able to acquire language skills whilst also working or caring for family members.”

Scarth also welcome cost-of-living relief measures that will support families in diverse communities.

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“The $4.7 billion over four years to deliver cheaper child care that the government has committed to will support people from diverse communities to gain employment and the reduced co-payments for pharmaceuticals will also help with family budgets,” she added.

Also welcome was $12.6 million over two years in the budget for a pilot program to assist temporary visa holders who are experiencing domestic violence.

However, Ms Scarth stressed that access and information about these opportunities must be available to vulnerable groups in society, including migrants, refugees and members of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

“Too often we see some groups left behind when these opportunities are rolled out. We know from experience that migrants and refugees and people from CALD communities find it difficult to understand what opportunities are available to them and to access those opportunities,” Ms Scarth said.

AMES Australia also welcomed other measures in the budget aimed at supporting multicultural communities, including the development of a Migration Strategy to ensure the migration system serves Australia’s national interests and complements the skills and capabilities of Australian workers and which includes creating clear pathways to permanent residency.

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