What Services are Available?
Government assistance
Government assistance to help new arrivals to settle takes account of their needs and circumstances. Basic settlement information is provided to all migrants and humanitarian entrants before they migrate to Australia. It is expected that skilled migrants, and sponsors of family migrants, will undertake their own more detailed research into settlement issues and that these migrants will generally be able to settle into the community and into work without needing a high level of government support. In recognition of their special needs and circumstances, humanitarian entrants are the highest priority for government-funded settlement services.
Mainstream services available
Migrants will generally use mainstream services provided by governments, community organisations and the private sector, to address a number of their settlement needs. For example, recent arrivals looking for work can use Job Matching services which are provided through Job Network organisations. Real estate agencies provide accommodation services. Mainstream government agencies will often provide higher levels of assistance to refugees in recognition of their particular disadvantage. Many mainstream agencies, such as health and employment services, provide services to eligible migrants as they do to all eligible Australians, past the immediate settlement period.
Specialised settlement services
Specialised settlement services are designed specifically to assist migrants and refugees with early settlement needs. Services are provided by governments, community organisations and the private sector. Examples include English language tuition for adults and children, the translation of settlement related documents by the Translating and Interpreting Service and private relocation agencies. Some specialist services, such as torture and trauma counselling services, are directed towards the special needs of humanitarian entrants.