The Tasmanian Government, and Tasmania in general, has always generously welcomed refugees looking for a new life as they escape atrocities in other countries.
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria and Iraq the Tasmanian Government has committed an additional $1 million to support the increased number of refugees arriving in our State.
We acknowledge the challenges of moving to a new country, which is why we are ensuring ``wrap-around’’ services are being put in place for all humanitarian arrivals.
These services ensure the best possible settlement outcomes for families and complement existing services provided by the Australian Government.
Refugee families have told us that their priorities are to learn to speak and write in English and to be successful in schooling and education; to obtain a Tasmanian driver’s licence and to help find work so that they can support their families.
Families are also keen to have a sense of place and home which is why we previously funded $200,000 over 4 years to the Glenorchy City Council to support the operations of the old Moonah Arts Centre as a Multicultural Hub.
Today we are announcing enhanced services and programs to further help these families.
This package of on-island assistance from the Tasmanian Government is an acknowledgement that this State has an important role to play in responding to the on-going global humanitarian crisis and supporting our new arrivals.
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