The Minns Government has named the inaugural members of the NSW Settlement Advisory Council, marking a further step in its push to improve the way refugees build new lives in the state. The new body will advise the Minister for Multiculturalism and Multicultural NSW on settlement policy, drawing on the experience of leading figures from government, academia, community services and advocacy.
The council will be chaired by Professor Peter Shergold AC, who has served as NSW Coordinator General for Settlement since 2015 and has worked across public administration, universities and the not-for-profit sector. He will be joined by former NSW Premier Nick Greiner AC, Scientia Professor Jane McAdam AO, STARTTS CEO Jorge Aroche, advocate and researcher Dr Anyier Yuol, and Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the new council will help strengthen the government’s focus on improving outcomes for people arriving through humanitarian programs. “The better we do at settling refugees, the quicker they can become contributing members of our local communities. I am so proud with the establishment of the council, a state first, and the incredible calibre of expertise across the inaugural members. This significant body and initiative showcase the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to making NSW a home to all.”
Professor Shergold welcomed the appointment of the council, reflecting on the breadth of expertise now assembled around the table. “I am hugely impressed by the calibre of every NSW Settlement Advisory Council member and grateful for their demonstrated passion for improving outcomes for people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds. I thank the NSW Government and Multicultural NSW for the on-going investment in the innovative NSW Settlement Strategy and welcome their continued support through the establishment of the inaugural NSW Settlement Advisory Council.”
The NSW Settlement Strategy, launched by the government to streamline and strengthen settlement initiatives, brings together new and existing programs aimed at supporting refugees as they adapt to life in the state.
Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta said Australia has gained from decades of humanitarian intake. “Australia began to settle refugees in 1947 and since then, we have welcomed one million refugees through our Humanitarian Program. In return, we’ve benefited from their experience, skills and creativity. People from a refugee background have made enormous contribution across every part of society, from business and philanthropy to culture and the arts.”
He added that the council reflects the value of drawing knowledge from across the community. “The NSW Settlement Advisory Council brings together highly respected and influential experts across government, business, academia, community sector and refugee lived experience to champion better outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers in NSW. Their expertise and leadership will help the NSW Government drive a better coordinated and more effective settlement system in NSW.”
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