About the Settlement Grants Program (SGP)

The Settlement Grants Program (SGP) was introduced on 1 July 2006 following a review of settlement services program funded by the department.

Aim of the SGP

The aim of the SGP is to deliver services which assist eligible clients to become self reliant and participate equitably in Australian society as soon as possible after arrival.

Settlement needs

The funding priorities of the SGP are informed by an annual assessment of settlement needs and through consideration of the statistical data. This approach ensures that services provided through the SGP are:

• targeted towards those communities and locations in greatest need of settlement assistance
• responsive to changing settlement patterns and needs.

SGP funding

SGP funding is:

• on an application basis
• offered for periods of one, two or three years
• based on financial years and is provided for a fixed period
• expected to be fully committed at the beginning of each financial year.

Parliamentary secretary's decision

The SGP is a discretionary, application-based grants program. Decisions to award grants are made by the Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. The parliamentary secretary's decision is final and there is no review or appeal process.