Today, the Morrison Government announced a $71 million package aimed at bringing Australians together.
This package invests in programs that embrace Australia’s multicultural diversity and help all communities become actively part of, and benefit from, Australia’s economic and social development. The funding will enhance the everyday experiences Australians have in common – how we communicate, live and engage with each other.
It includes:
• $20.4 million to expand and enhance the National Community Hubs Program helping migrants with school-aged children connect with their community. The expanded program will focus on encouraging community participation and pathways to employment.
• $2.2 million for a National Youth Hubs Program, using the successful approach from the National community Hubs Program to support migrant and refugee women and young people aged 13-21.
• $7.3 million in additional funding for the Fostering Integration Grants Program, including a new $3 million grant round to support migrants integrating into Australian social, economic and civic life. The grant round will open shortly.
• $19.6 million for Implementing Sport 2030 – a range of initiatives to support Australian sport and the role it plays in promoting social inclusion.
• $10 million for the Community Languages Multicultural Grants Program to help young Australians learn another language and connect people to new cultures.
• $9.5m as part of the Strong and Resilient Grant Program to community organisations with a record of delivering successful grassroots programs to enhance integration, mutual understanding and respect for diversity.
• $1.8m for digital initiatives through the Enhanced Community Engagement Program to help young people counter online hate.
• $0.6m to evaluate Australia’s existing social cohesion measures, to help determine successful policies and programs for the future.
This investment in social cohesion is one of four key pillars under the Government’s newly announced future population plan, along with reducing the migration program cap, busting congestion, and working more closely with states and territories.