GOVERNMENT DELIVERING EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT FOR REFUGEES RESETTLING IN NSW

An employment information expo to connect refugees looking for work with organisations that can assist them will be held in Liverpool, Sydney, tomorrow.

 

The Refugee Employment Information Expo is being hosted by the Australian Government in partnership with the New South Wales Department of Industry and Multicultural NSW, and will be opened by NSW Coordinator-General for Refugee Resettlement, Professor Peter Shergold.

 

“This expo will be an ideal opportunity for refugees to find out how to go about getting a job in Australia, particularly in western Sydney and the Illawarra,” Professor Shergold said.

 

“I’ve seen firsthand the crucial difference that overseas skills recognition, local training and careers guidance can make for refugees beginning new lives here in NSW. Many are highly skilled and experienced workers who have so much to contribute and are eager to give back.”

 

Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the expo would be a one-stop shop for refugees wanting to learn how to join the Australian workforce. Attendees will be able to talk to representatives from a wide range of support services, government agencies and local employers. Numerous workshops will also be held on the day.

 

“The aim of the workshops is to impart information about Australian work rights and to help build the confidence of refugees for their job search,” Minister Cash said.

 

“The Turnbull Government is committed to assisting refugees to become job-ready and move into the workforce. Since jobactive commenced on 1 July 2015, there have been more than 32,000 job placements for jobactive refugee job seekers nationally, with more than 11,000 job placements since the start of 2017.”

 

“I encourage all employers to consider the skills and experience this group of Australians has to offer when recruiting.”

 

In New South Wales alone in 2017, jobactive providers achieved more than 3,000 job placements for refugees, connecting refugees looking for work with employment opportunities. Refugees represent a large and diverse talent pool for employers to draw upon to meet their business needs.

 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, John Barilaro, encouraged refugees living in the Sydney region to attend the expo to learn of the support available to help them look for work.

 

“Helping refugees and asylum seekers integrate into our community offers them a fresh start for the future and addresses skills shortages in key areas of our economy,” Mr Barilaro said.

 

“The New South Wales Government has invested $22 million in a Refugee Employment Support Program, which has attracted 1,100 enrolments since July this year. All of those participants are now becoming job-ready, receiving recognition for their overseas skills and qualifications and have undertaken work experience with employers.”

 

Professor Shergold said the Refugee Employment Support Program has been well received.

 

“We’re seeing encouraging results from organisations, including some of Australia’s largest employers, who have offered employment to refugees and humanitarian entrants as part of the state government’s $22 million Refugee Employment Support Program,” Professor Shergold said.

 

“Governments have a vital role to play in helping refugees find their way into meaningful long-term employment, and our nation will be the better for it.”

 

Interpreters will be available on the day.

 

 

For more information about the expo and/or to register for the event, please visit: https://www.ivvy.com.au/event/Expo10