The Minister for Community Development, Cassy O'Connor, today launched a report outlining how Tasmanian Government agencies will work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for former humanitarian entrants in Tasmania.

Ms O'Connor said decades of migration to Tasmania have brought people with many different experiences, skills and abilities.  

"Humanitarian entrants have much to offer however they face a number of significant challenges when accessing mainstream services," Ms O'Connor said.

"Being able to understand and access services is a fundamental to developing self-reliance and independence for our humanitarian entrants."

The Better Access to Government Services for Former Humanitarian Entrants Report contains five whole-of-government and 31 agency specific recommendations that either enhance existing programs or are new initiatives.

Recommendations include actions to increase the cultural competency of agency staff and adapt current programs to respond to Tasmania's diverse population.

Improvements in the collection of data will also ensure policy makers are better informed about the humanitarian entrant experience when it comes to developing government policies.

"The report importantly sought input from former humanitarian entrants to better understand the barriers they experience," Ms O'Connor said.

"A significant recommendation made by the report is the development of a whole-of-government Translating and Interpreting Policy, given communication is such a persistent barrier for humanitarian entrants.

"I am confident that the Report's recommendations will assist new Tasmanian communities and successive generations to have equitable access to government services and participate in all forms of community life."

Approximately 400 humanitarian entrants settle in Tasmania every year and over 11 per cent of all Tasmanians are born overseas.

The Report can be accessed at www.dpac.tas.gov.au