The Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) and Social Enterprise Australia (SEA) have welcomed the Federal Government’s continued investment in the Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration (EPRI) program in last night’s Budget, describing it as an important recognition that social cohesion and economic inclusion outcomes depend on strong settlement and employment pathways.
At a time when workforce participation and productivity remain central to the national economic conversation, both organisations said refugee and humanitarian entrants must be supported not through deficit, but through capability, contribution and long-term national benefit.
The EPRI program supports refugee and humanitarian entrants into employment through partnerships between settlement services, social enterprises, employers and community organisations.
Maria Dimopoulos AM, CEO of the Settlement Council of Australia, said the Budget sends an important signal about the relationship between settlement and economic participation.
“For more than two decades, the settlement sector has argued that economic participation is fundamental to successful settlement and long-term social cohesion,” Ms Dimopoulos said.
“Migration policy cannot operate separately from settlement policy. Productivity outcomes depend on whether people are able to access meaningful employment, community connection and pathways to participation.”
“Programs like EPRI demonstrate what becomes possible when governments invest in collaborative, community-connected approaches that recognise the strengths, skills and aspirations that refugee and humanitarian entrants already bring.”
The EPRI program, funded by the Department of Home Affairs and delivered by a diverse network of 20 social enterprises across Australia, provides specialised economic participation support and employment opportunities for refugee entrants with low English language proficiency and low recognised skill levels – a cohort that is under-served by mainstream services.
Jess Moore, CEO of Social Enterprise Australia, said the continuation of EPRI reflects the growing recognition that community-based employment models deliver economic and social outcomes simultaneously.
“Social enterprises are creating flexible and responsive employment opportunities. They are not just service providers — they are purpose-led businesses that create jobs, build capability, and demonstrate that productivity with safety and dignity is possible.” Ms Moore said.
“EPRI shows that collaboration between settlement organisations, social enterprises and employers produces stronger outcomes for participants, industries and communities alike.”
“In the year ahead, we look forward to working with all involved to design the future of EPRI. And most importantly, to an announcement in next year’s budget that moves beyond extension, to an enduring EPRI.”
SCOA and SEA said the Budget investment should now provide the foundation for a longer-term national approach to refugee economic participation and workforce inclusion.
About the Settlement Council of Australia The Settlement Council of Australia is the national peak body for settlement. It represents settlement agencies across Australia providing direct services to people of refugee and migrant backgrounds with a goal to help ensure the best possible settlement outcomes for migrants and refugees settling in Australia.
About Social Enterprise Australia Social Enterprise Australia is the national peak body for social enterprise in Australia, connecting and advocating for an economy that puts people and planet first, and coordinating the national strategy of the social enterprise sector.
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Media contacts:
Maria Dimopoulos, Settlement Council of Australia, ph 0477 244 233 maria.dimopoulos@scoa.org.au
Jess Moore, Social Enterprise Australia, ph 0416 232 349, jess@socialenterpriseaustralia.org.au