Early support for refugees settling in Australia can significantly improve their employment, education, independence and social outcomes, according to new research from Deloitte Access Economics.

The report, Accelerating Settlement Outcomes, commissioned by the Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA), drew on ten years of longitudinal data to examine whether the timing of settlement support influences outcomes later in life.

The report found people who access settlement services in their first-year experience stronger outcomes across employment, English language proficiency, independence and social connection, with benefits still evident a decade after arrival in Australia.

One of the strongest findings related to employment.

Five years after arrival, humanitarian entrants who accessed settlement support early had employment rates 8.6 percentage points higher than those who did not. Over time, they also worked more hours per week.

For a single annual humanitarian intake cohort, this equates to approximately 313 additional full-time workers participating in the Australian economy and around $135 million in additional earnings over ten years, or around $18,000 additional earnings per person.

The research also found that people who received support early were more likely to participate in education and training, achieve stronger English language outcomes, navigate systems independently and build broader social connections.

Education outcomes were also significant. Humanitarian entrants who accessed settlement services were more likely to undertake study or job training and, after ten years, were 7.6 percentage points more likely to have completed a trade or technical qualification. For a single annual cohort, that equates to approximately 420 additional trade-qualified workers, generating an estimated $28 million in additional earnings over 20 years.

While the data is compelling, the report also highlights the human stories behind the statistics.

In her foreword, The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, writes:

“This report reminds us that settlement is not just about services and systems. It is about people being given the support, dignity and opportunity to build a life and contribute to the country we all share.”

For Hangama, an artist, writer and community advocate who arrived in Australia from Afghanistan, settlement was initially marked by uncertainty and isolation.

“We were lost with what we should do: no job, not enough income, and no community that speak the same language,” she recalls.

Learning English and finding employment became priorities. Through her work as an artist and advocate, she was able to connect with her community and build a sense of belonging.

“I was an artist back home. That work was the best way for me to connect to the community,”,Hangama said.

The report highlights the critical role of settlement services in helping people navigate unfamiliar systems, access services and build pathways to participation.

For many newly arrived refugees, settlement caseworkers are among the first trusted contacts they have in Australia. The research says that one in four humanitarian entrants arrive without knowing anyone in Australia, making those early connections particularly important.

Sonal, a case manager with AMES Australia, described the importance of that role:

“For some clients, their emergency contact is their caseworker… we are the first point of contact they have in Australia,” she said.

Sonal also highlighted the support settlement workers provide in helping people navigate mainstream systems.

“When they’re having difficulties accessing the mainstream services, we are assisting the clients to navigate those systems,” she said.

The benefits of early support extend beyond employment and economic participation.

After five years in Australia, people who accessed services early were more likely to report strong English proficiency and were less likely to require interpreting services. They were also more confident using public transport, navigating public services, seeking help in emergencies and understanding their civic rights and responsibilities.

Janet, who accessed English language training after arriving in Australia, spoke about the role it played in helping her build confidence and connection.

“I wanted to have social connection with others and not always stay home,” she said.

For Janet, English classes provided more than language skills.

“It was a very good experience. There, I met some friends who were also from my country, as well as other countries. We would learn about history of Australia too, not just English.”

For AMES Australia and the broader settlement sector, the report provides robust evidence for something practitioners have observed for many years: early support can shape long-term outcomes.

The report demonstrates that what happens in the first months and years after arrival can influence employment, education, independence and social connection for years to come.

The message is simple: timing matters.

By Angelica Svensson