The federal government has released a new ‘Refugee and Humanitarian Entrant Settlement and Integration Outcomes Framework’, which sets out Australia’s vision of successful refugee settlement and integration.

In developing the framework, six areas critical to successful integration of refugees have been identified.

They include: economic participation, health and wellbeing, language and digital literacy, education, housing and transport and understanding host culture – it is focused on practical outcomes. 

To support the move, the government is working to improve data sources to evaluate the performance of settlement services and programs, and to track how refugees are settling under each of the domains. 

The government says it has committed to updating the framework over time, based on consultation and feedback from the Settlement Advisory Council, settlement stakeholders, and people with lived experience.

The framework was developed with input from a widespread consultation process that included peak settlement bodies, refugee and community organisations and those with lived experience as a refugee.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said: “The Albanese Labor Government is committed to safety and stability for refugees and humanitarian entrants.” 

“We know that our responsibility to refugees doesn’t end when people arrive in Australia. We’re committed to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community rebuild their lives with certainty. 

“No matter where you were born, everyone should be able to fulfil their potential and feel as though they truly belong.” 

Migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia has welcomed the announcement of the framework.

AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth welcomed the release of the framework saying it would help to promote good outcomes for refugees settling across Australia.

“We at AMES Australia are committed to supporting refugees achieve the best possible settlement outcomes and the frame work will be a useful tool,” Ms Scarth said.

“The framework will help describe what successful settlement looks like,” she said.

“It will also promote a holistic approach to settlement support that canvases all of the elements that add up to someone talking a full place in our society,” Ms Scarth said.