PrintOverview
A society which values Australian citizenship and social cohesion, and enables migrants and refugees to participate equitably
There are five outputs under Outcome 2:
- Output 2.1 Settlement services
- Output 2.2 Translating and interpreting services
- Output 2.3 Australian citizenship
- Output 2.4 Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society
- Output 2.5 Systems for People
- Administered items
Activities under this outcome include:
- managing the delivery of settlement services, including adult English language training, refugee settlement support, and translating and interpreting services
- encouraging eligible people to acquire Australian citizenship and promoting the value of citizenship
- promoting the value of cultural diversity and increasing understanding of Australia’s democratic values to ensure the nation’s progress as a united, prosperous and safe society
- delivering major IT enabled business transformation through the Systems for People program.
| A society which values Australian citizenship and social cohesion, and enables migrants and refugees to participate equitably | |
|---|---|
| Measures | Results |
| Extent to which settlement planning arrangements and services target areas of need that will enable humanitarian entrants and eligible migrants to participate equitably in society | |
| Level of participation and outcomes for relevant settlement services | The department conducts an annual assessment of settlement needs, taking into account feedback from state, territory and local governments, the community and the settlement services sector, to identify the priority needs of new arrivals.
The Settlement Grants Program (SGP) continues to receive strong sector support, with a large number of applications received for funding in 2008–09. The department continues to monitor the performance of funded organisations. |
| Extent to which settlement needs of eligible refugee and humanitarian settlers are met | |
| Extent to which appropriate settlement services are available and accessible | There are 332 projects operating in all state and territories and most statistical divisions—in particular, where there are a high concentration of SGP clients. These projects ensure that settlement services are provided to those communities and locations in greatest need of assistance.
The initial findings of the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS) quality assurance review indicate the majority of the key performance indicators (KPIs) are being met in accordance with the requirements of the contract by most service providers and that satisfactory services are being provided to entrants. Housing continued to be the major challenge faced by service providers, resulting in almost half failing to meet the long-term accommodation KPI. In facing that challenge, service providers have implemented a range of innovative measures in an attempt to address the current shortage in the housing market. Service providers are successfully networking with other organisations to raise awareness of the needs of humanitarian entrants and some have implemented education and training sessions to complement their settlement services. A number of events were held to share entrants’ stories and culture with the wider community, including an African Women’s Expo and a project where older Sudanese women at risk of isolation recorded and shared their life stories. |
| Level of satisfaction among eligible refugees and humanitarian settlers who participate in settlement services | In 2007–08, the department conducted a client survey. The sample group of clients surveyed indicated that 68 per cent of clients had a very high level of overall satisfaction while 25 per cent indicated partial or limited satisfaction.
The department undertook an annual quality assurance review of the IHSS program to assess the effectiveness of contract performance requirements and management controls. The review for 2007–08 followed up on recommendations from the 2006–07 review and included an evaluation of IHSS service provider systems, processes and operations to assess performance against contract specifications. This also included client contact visits to determine the level of satisfaction with the services received. Initial findings of the review indicate that IHSS service providers are delivering a satisfactory service in accordance with the requirements of the contracts. |
| Extent to which Australian citizenship is valued | |
| Extent of community awareness of Australian citizenship | The value of good citizenship is celebrated annually with the Australian of the Year awards. The department continued its association with theNational Australia Day Council and the Australian of the Year Awards, highlighting the significance of Australian citizenship on Australia Day, including the promotion of the Australian affirmation. Several citizenship and affirmation ceremonies were highlighted in national news packages on Australia Day 2008.
Schools throughout Australia are actively engaged in learning the value of, and celebrating, citizenship. Resource packages containing information and activities regarding Australian citizenship, for both primary and secondary students, were distributed to all schools across Australia in 2007. The resource packages assist in increasing awareness of Australian citizenship throughout the general community. |
| Extent to which the department promotes social cohesion in a culturally diverse society | |
| Level of awareness of, and participation in, the Living in Harmony initiative | In 2007–08, 41 new projects were funded through the annual community project funding round. The projects reflected the priority areas of new and emerging communities, young people, community-based activities and Indigenous Australians.
The emerging issues funding program supported community organisations in six different states to address local issues. Six new Living in Harmony partnerships were instigated with major organisations such as the Australian Football League, the Australian Red Cross and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). Harmony Day continued to connect with the community in 2008. A total of 358 newspaper articles focusing on Harmony Day were identified across Australia and 388 events were registered on the Living in Harmony website. |
| Number of completed projects under the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security | In 2007–08, the following projects were completed:
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