This policy brief provides practical policy solutions to improve the settlement and integration of migrants and refugees in Australia. Successful integration is a goal shared by newcomers, the communities they settle in and government at all levels and is critical to maintaining public support for immigration. The brief provides seven recommendations.

This research examines the early development trajectories of children from CALD backgrounds in Australia by exploring the existing evidence base and analysing data from the Australian Early Development Census, conducted every three years. The research found that children from CALD backgrounds are more likely to be developmentally vulnerable at school entry than other children and...

Australia’s approach to integration also matters because the way that countries treat newcomers underpins social cohesion and inclusion. This policy brief provides practical solutions to improve the settlement and integration of migrants and refugees in Australia.

While government policies have helped to increase the initial settlement of migrants and refugees in regional areas, helping newcomers and local receiving communities develop lasting ties remains a challenge. The paper shines a light on policy solutions to address this issue.

This policy brief highlights policy solutions to improve access to basic rights and opportunities for newcomers to Australia, including income support, vital services like settlement support and housing assistance, and pathways to citizenship.