On 25 May 2023, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP, announced the establishment of the Settlement Advisory Council (the Council). The Council provides advice to the Minister on all aspects of settlement programs. It focuses on improving settlement and integration outcomes for refugees and humanitarian entrants.
The Council consists of a core membership of up to 7 members. To supplement the advice of Members, the Council may approach other experts to contribute subject matter advice as required. The Council may also agree to set up sub-groups with other stakeholders/partners to take forward specific projects or lines of work.
The Council first met on 19 May 2023. It meets every three months and at least three times per year.
Terms of Reference
The Council will consult with the community and stakeholders on key areas of focus determined by the Minister.
The role of the Council is to provide recommendations and advice to Government on:
- policies, programs and services that support positive settlement and integration outcomes
- more effective use of demographic data and relevant social policy research
- strengthening partnerships and collaboration, and promoting positive integration outcomes across government, civil society and the corporate sector
- strategies to actively promote a positive conversation on Australia’s role in providing resettlement including the contribution of refugees and humanitarian entrants to Australia.
Membership of the Council
- Ms Jasmina Bajraktarevic-Hayward (Chair), President of the Refugee Council of Australia
- Mr Paris Aristotle AO, Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Inc
- Mr Elijah Buol OAM, Chair of the Board of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) Ltd
- Ms Lisa Button, Chief Executive Officer of Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia
- Ms Sandra Elhelw, Chief Executive Officer of the Settlement Council of Australia
- Mr Nazer Nazir, Co-Founder and President of Afghan Australia Initiative
- Mr Huy Truong, Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of ALI Group, and Founding Executive Director of Thrive Refugee Enterprise.
