The Settlement Council of Australia, which is the peak body for migrant and refugee services, has congratulated Minister Andrew Giles for his achievements as Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
Ms Melissa Monteiro, Chair of the Council, said “In his time as Minister, Australia has resolved years of limbo for 19,000 asylum seekers who were proven to be refugees and owed protection under international law; increased Australia’s humanitarian intake offering safety to thousands more refugees; and commissioned a generational review of Australian multiculturalism.”
CEO of the Council, Ms Sandra Elhelw, said “Minister Giles brought an in-depth knowledge of the complexities of the space, having worked in the migration space for many years prior to leading the immigration portfolio.
It has been a pleasure to work with Minister Giles over the last several years to progress a range of reforms aimed at ensuring Australia is a welcoming nation where everyone can belong and thrive.”
The Council also welcomed Minister Burke, Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite, and Assistant Minister Hill to the portfolio. The Hon. Tony Burke MP has previously served as the Minister for Immigration, and The Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite was previously Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs. The Hon. Julian Hill MP represents one of the most diverse electorates in Australia, home to a large number of new arrivals.
Ms Monteiro said “Minister Burke, Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite, and Assistant Minister Hill have a long history of understanding the challenges facing migrant and refugee communities, and we look forward to working closely with them to address the contemporary challenges of multicultural Australia.”
The cabinet reshuffle also saw a new position created, with The Hon. Peter Khalil MP taking on the role of Special Envoy for Social Cohesion.
Ms Elhelw said, “We congratulate Mr Khalil, and hope the creation of this role will serve as a renewed opportunity to look at the long-term benefits of investing in successful settlement.”
For media enquiries, contact Humaira Mehboob at humaira.mehboob@scoa.org.au or on (02) 6282 8515.
About The Settlement Council of Australia
The Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) is the peak body representing migrant and refugee services, with approximately 130 member organisations nationally. We are committed to building an Australia where all people of migrant and refugee backgrounds belong, thrive and experience fulfilling lives.