$1.5M for refugee employment pathways

Department of Home Affairs

​The Albanese Labor Government has today announced funding for pathways to employment for refugees, in line with its commitment to a more secure future for refugees and humanitarian entrants.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles, has announced the Albanese Government’s $1.5m commitment towards refugee employment services, enabling over 375 refugees to engage in pathways to work through the social enterprise Community Corporate. 

In Adelaide today for the launch of the program, Minister Giles met with refugee employees and businesses such as IKEA, Woolworths and Accor to hear about the social and economic benefits of the employer-led program. 

The program will create a pipeline for refugees across the country into secure and sustainable employment with the aim of addressing workforce shortages and improving settlement outcomes of new Australians in their local communities.

In order to achieve the program’s goal of 90% retention in employment, participants will undertake intensive workplace preparation through job skills assessment expos, workplace English language training and individual case management. 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP:

“The Albanese Government is committed to permanency and stability for refugees and humanitarian entrants. 

“This funding will ensure that some of the most vulnerable members of our community are able to gain connections in their community, attain secure employment, while helping to address workforce shortages being felt across the country.” 

Quotes attributable to Community Corporate Founder and CEO, Carmen Garcia:

“This investment by the federal government enables refugees at any age or stage of their employment journey to have increased access to culturally customised job support training, coaching and access to paid work placements to increase their financial independence and find a real sense of belonging in Australia through work.​​”

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