15 May 2014
CEO of the Migration Council Australia (MCA) Ms Carla Wilshire expressed support for the Budget’s continued commitment to settlement services and multicultural affairs.
Ms Wilshire said that the 2014-15 budget maintained support for new migrants through a commitment of $545 million over 4 years.
“Settlement services have been placed at the center of a broader strategy for strengthening communities. This is an indication of their national importance and the centrality of their role in building a cohesive Australia.
“However while we support longer grant times and more streamlined reporting processes, the MCA will be looking to work with Government to ensure the specialist nature of settlement services are maintained.
“We are encouraged by the statement of support for the Settlement Grants Programme that accompanied the Budget. But it is critical that any move to consolidate grants does not lead to a reduction in settlement expertise.”
Settlement services have always been the backbone of our migration program and a key driver of productivity and cohesion.
Australia has led the world in the development of programs to assist the integration and participation of migrants and maintaining this edge is critical to our national interest.
The MCA also welcomes the move to prioritse employer sponsored visas and the strong emphasis on skilled migration.
MEDIA CONTACT: MCA CEO, CARLA WILSHIRE 0409 363 888