Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

Queensland Government Submission – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

Parliament of Australia House Joint Standing Committee on Migration

Inquiry into migration in regional Australia

Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4

1.1. MULTICULTURAL RECOGNITION ACT 2016 ...... 4

2. RESPONSE TO TERMS OF REFERENCE ...... 5

2.1. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE STRATEGIES TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SETTLE AND STAY IN REGIONAL AREAS ...... 5

2.1.1. REGIONAL AUSTRALIA INSTITUTE’S (RAI) INTERGOVERNMENTAL SHARED INQUIRY PROGRAM ...... 5

2.1.2. WELCOMING CITIES ...... 6

2.2. STRATEGIES TO DEVELOP REGIONAL SKILLED MIGRATION ...... 6

2.2.1. ALL IN ALL FRONTS CAMPAIGN ...... 6

2.2.2. DELOITTE REPORT ...... 7

2.2.3. WELCOMING CITIES ...... 7

2.3. STRATEGIES TO DEVELOP REGIONAL HUMANITARIAN MIGRATION ...... 7

2.3.1. PATHWAY TO PERMANENCY ...... 7

2.3.2. WELCOMING CITIES ...... 8

2.4. KEY LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL INITIATIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL REGIONAL SETTLEMENT OUTCOMES ...... 8

2.4.1. STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE COMMUNITIES ACT 2017 ...... 8

2.4.2. SAFEHOME PROGRAM ...... 8

2.4.3. COMMUNITIES IN TRANSITION PILOT PROGRAM ...... 9

2.4.4. MAPPING SOCIAL COHESION SCANLON FOUNDATION SURVEYS 2018 – QUEENSLAND REPORT ...... 9

2.4.5. QUEENSLAND SETTLEMENT PLANNING AND OUTCOMES COMMITTEE (QSPOC) ...... 10

2.4.6. WELCOMING CITIES ...... 10

2.4.7. REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ...... 11

2.4.8. REFUGEE HEALTH AND WELLBEING ...... 11

2.5. LOCAL VOLUNTEERS, EMPLOYERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN FACILITATING REGIONAL SETTLEMENT ...... 12

2.5.1. MULTICULTURAL QUEENSLAND AMBASSADOR PROGRAM ...... 12

2.5.2. CELEBRATING MULTICULTURAL QUEENSLAND ...... 13

2.5.3. COMMUNITY ACTION FOR A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY ...... 13

2.6. RELEVANT MIGRATION POLICY, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATION AND STATE SPECIFIC MIGRATION MECHANISMS;...... 13

2.7. RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS ...... 14

2.7.1. LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES PROGRAM AND WORKS FOR QUEENSLAND ...... 14

2.8. ANY OTHER RELATED MATTER ...... 14

2 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

2.8.1. SHIFTING MINDS: QUEENSLAND MENTAL HEALTH ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2023 ... 14

2.8.2. DATA AND INFORMATION SHARING ...... 15

2.8.3. ACCESS TO INTERPRETERS AND INTERPRETER SERVICES ...... 15

2.8.4. SPECIALIST SERVICES ...... 15

2.8.5. ASYLUM SEEKER AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE (ASRA) PROGRAM ...... 16

3 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

1. INTRODUCTION

This submission refers to several initiatives of the Queensland Government to inform the Joint Standing Committee’s deliberations.

Over many years, regional settlement across Queensland has been led by migrants and successfully so, with 30.6% of Queenslanders living outside South East Queensland as at 30 June 2018 in largely sustainable communities.

The Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO) produces an annual report on Queensland’s population highlights and trends: http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/products/reports/pop-growth-highlights- trends-qld/pop-growth-highlights-trends-qld-2019-edn.pdf

In the 2019 QGSO report, Queensland had the third largest population increase (83,590 persons) of any Australian state or territory after Victoria (139,070 persons) and New South Wales (120,310 persons). Population growth in Queensland continues to be largely concentrated in the South East. Outside of South East Queensland, notable levels of growth occurred in the regional Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cairns, Toowoomba and Fraser Coast. Twenty-five LGAs experienced population decline in the 12 months to June 2018. These were mostly located west of the Great Dividing Range, with the largest decrease in Mount Isa.

Information provided by MDA Ltd indicates that Queensland had received 1,487 new arrivals under the Humanitarian Settlement Program between January 2019 and 1 June 2019, with Townsville (131), Cairns (134) and Toowoomba (298) receiving almost 38% of all new arrivals.

1.1. MULTICULTURAL RECOGNITION ACT 2016

The Queensland Government has a strong legislative framework to support its work with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to ensure they can participate in all aspects of life in this State.

The Multicultural Recognition Act 2016 promotes Queensland as a united, harmonious and inclusive community and establishes the Multicultural Queensland Charter; Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council and provides for the Queensland Multicultural Policy and Action Plan.

The Queensland Multicultural Policy, Our Story, our future identifies ‘Economic opportunities’ as one of three priorities and includes a clear commitment to ‘supporting refugees and asylum seekers by reducing barriers and creating opportunities for them to participate and contribute to Queensland’s economic, social and cultural future’.

The Multicultural Queensland Charter sets out eight key principles which can be found at: https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/policy-and-governance/multicultural-queensland- charter.html

The current Queensland Multicultural Action Plan 2019-20 to 2021-22 includes a range of strategies and initiatives to promote united, harmonious and inclusive communities across Queensland and to draw on

4 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs and build the global connections that come from our State’s diversity. https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/resources/multicultural/policy-governance/qmap-19-22.pdf

The Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council (MQAC) advises the Minister for Multicultural Affairs on opportunities and barriers facing people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and how to promote the Multicultural Queensland Charter.

2. RESPONSE TO TERMS OF REFERENCE

2.1. NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE STRATEGIES TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SETTLE AND STAY IN REGIONAL AREAS

The Queensland Government is taking a considered approach to settlement outcomes and forming strategic partnerships and linkages through several key initiatives and programs.

2.1.1. REGIONAL AUSTRALIA INSTITUTE’S (RAI) INTERGOVERNMENTAL SHARED INQUIRY PROGRAM

The Queensland Government, through the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP), participates in the national thinktank, Regional Australia Institute’s (RAI) Intergovernmental Shared Inquiry Program researching policy issues concerning regional Australia. In 2019 RAI released the ‘Steps to Settlement Success: A toolkit for rural and regional communities’ that identifies best practice for regional settlement, outlines key players and areas for action underpinning regional settlement success. The toolkit aligns with DSDMIP’s increased focus on tailored, place-based approaches to support regional economic development.

The RAI’s Regional Population Growth – Are We Ready? report addresses key issues fundamental to our future settlement patterns that challenge decision-makers to prioritise regional Australia and divert future growth to connected regional cities. Queensland is unique in the extent to which its population is already distributed throughout South East Queensland. More people live in the report’s included regional centres (which are Toowoomba, Townsville, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Rockhampton, Mackay and Cairns) than in either the inner or outer suburban areas of Brisbane. For more information see the full report here: http://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/home/wp- content/uploads/2019/08/RAI_2019_RegionalPopulationGrowthReport_WebFinal-1.pdf

The Queensland Government is the first government to legislate the requirement for social impact assessment (SIA) and the management of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workforce arrangements in Australia. The Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017 (SSRC Act) supports the development of regional communities by: • prohibiting 100 per cent FIFO workforces on operational large resource projects (LRPs) • preventing discrimination against locals in the recruitment of workers at LRPs and ensuring workers can live in nearby regional communities if they choose to • making SIA mandatory for LRPs going through an environmental impact statement (EIS) process.

5 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

SIAs must include consideration of workforce arrangements. This would include opportunities for employment and training programs for traditionally underrepresented groups, which may include new migrants in the community.

2.1.2. WELCOMING CITIES

The Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs (DLGRMA) has engaged the organisation Welcoming Cities to explore evidence-based strategies to support local governments in regional locations to attract, grow and retain diversity by strengthening welcoming and inclusive communities. Welcoming Cities highlights that realising the benefits of regional settlement requires careful planning, knowledge of ‘what works,’ and close collaboration between key stakeholders.

Welcoming Cities is an organisation focused on assisting interested Councils to consider, commit to, communicate, plan for, build and sustain welcoming places.

The Welcoming Cities Standard is a peer-reviewed resource that establishes the cultural diversity and inclusion benchmarks and framework for local councils to:

• Establish a positive and welcoming reputation; • Increase the impact of council initiatives for the whole community; • Plan, learn and improve; and, • Assess progress over time.

Further information about the work of Welcoming Cities in Queensland is provided at 2.4.6 below.

2.2. STRATEGIES TO DEVELOP REGIONAL SKILLED MIGRATION

2.2.1. ALL IN ALL FRONTS CAMPAIGN

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) launched a recruitment attraction campaign in February 2018 to increase diversity in its workforce. The ‘ALL IN. ALL FRONTS.’ campaign website contains detailed information on a variety of roles including firefighters, a tool to help members of the public find a role that suits their skills, abilities and experience; and a range of videos featuring QFES members. QFES is implementing its Fairness, Equity and Inclusion Framework to promote and support a safe, healthy and inclusive workplace. The framework sets the foundation for specific annual plans and programs to promote and support greater diversity in the department. QFES also participates in various community engagement activities to increase awareness of the employment and volunteering opportunities in communities across Queensland. In response to these initiatives, QFES has seen an upward trend in employees from non- English speaking backgrounds, which comprised 2.49% of the workforce on 30 June 2019.

QFES also launched a Volunteerism Strategy in October 2018, to create contemporary volunteer models which reflect best practice, innovation and social trends across volunteerism and embed these models in the QFES culture and ethos. Under the Volunteerism Strategy, QFES will develop specific strategies for different community groups, including one for culturally and linguistically diverse communities, to encourage volunteerism and to develop volunteer capabilities in diverse community groups.

6 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

2.2.2. DELOITTE REPORT

DLGRMA commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to undertake research regarding the impact of the lack of recognition of overseas skills and qualifications of migrants and refugees to respond to widespread anecdotal evidence suggesting this is presenting major barriers to employment.

The report, Seizing the opportunity: Making the most of the skills and experience of migrants and refugees, was released in early November 2018. The research reveals more than 6,200 skilled migrants and refugees in Queensland have qualifications which align with current skill shortages, but they can’t get a job in any of those much-needed areas. The research has also found that the Queensland economy could benefit from a boost of $250 million in the next 10 years if the skills and experience of people who are migrants and refugees are recognised.

A copy of the full report can be accessed at: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/programs-and- initiatives/migrant-skills.html

This report identified that 49 in every 100 skilled migrants aren’t using their skills or experience gained before arriving in Queensland. There may be opportunity for the three tiers of government to work together to improve processes for the recognition of overseas skills and qualifications. This will enable migrants with overseas trade or professional skills and qualifications to contribute to the region’s economy, create a more diverse workforce and feel a greater sense of belonging.

2.2.3. WELCOMING CITIES

It is anticipated that the Queensland Government’s work with Welcoming Cities, detailed below in section 2.4.6, will support councils to attract and retain migrants who may be able to fill identified skills gaps and support the local economy.

2.3. STRATEGIES TO DEVELOP REGIONAL HUMANITARIAN MIGRATION

Queensland will continue to partner with regional local governments and community stakeholders to ensure support and welcome are in place for potential new arrivals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The Queensland Government’s positioning of the Multicultural Affairs portfolio alongside the Local Government portfolio presents a significant opportunity to demonstrate inclusive growth, which brings together a multitude of stakeholders in support of migrants and refugees.

2.3.1. PATHWAY TO PERMANENCY

The Premier of Queensland, the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk wrote to the former Minister for Immigration, the Honourable Scott Morrison in January 2015 regarding the proposed introduction of the Safe Haven Enterprise Visas. The Premier stated that establishing sustainable growth in Queensland’s regions will have real economic benefits for Queensland and Australia.

7 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

The Premier noted that it is important that any regional migration program, particularly for temporary visa holders, offers an achievable pathway to permanent residency for these visa holders. Attention should be given to ensuring that there is an alignment between refugees’ skill sets, language abilities and educational levels and the eligibility requirements for permanent visa classes. It is also important that appropriate supports are in place to enable people to transition to permanent visa classes, including assistance with study costs and skills development.

2.3.2. WELCOMING CITIES

It is anticipated that the Queensland Government’s work with Welcoming Cities, detailed below in section 2.4.6, will help generate strategies to develop regional humanitarian migration pathways, particularly for secondary settlement.

2.4. KEY LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL INITIATIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL REGIONAL SETTLEMENT OUTCOMES

2.4.1. STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE COMMUNITIES ACT 2017

The Queensland Government’s Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017 (SSRC Act) administered by DSDMIP is legislation designed to ensure that residents of communities near large resource projects (LRPs) benefit from the construction and operation of those projects.

The SSRC Act is supported by the Coordinator-General’s social impact assessment (SIA) Guideline. The SIA Guideline requires SIAs to be informed by stakeholder consultation and include management measures for: • community and stakeholder engagement • workforce management • housing and accommodation • local business and industry procurement • health and community well-being.

Workforce management practices must prioritise recruitment from local and regional communities first, then those workers who wish to relocate to nearby regional communities.

2.4.2. SAFEHOME PROGRAM

The QFES delivers a tailored version of its SafeHome Program to new migrants and refugees to reduce the occurrence of death, injury and property loss in the home due to fires and accidents. The SafeHome Program involves QFES personnel visiting homes to assess fire safety measures and providing education on house fire risk in a culturally sensitive way to ensure the safety of homes and families.

8 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

In Logan, QFES undertook an intensive 8-week community engagement initiative between mid-March and mid-May 2019 to improve house fire safety. The ‘Blitz on House Fires’ campaign was in response to the higher incidence of house fires in the Logan community, which is home to over 200 ethnicities. The campaign took a multifaceted approach, using a range of tools and techniques to engage with the diverse communities, including information sessions for newly arrived refugees, Fire and Rescue Station open days, radio interviews, print material in various languages, SafeHome visits, library displays and community events. QFES worked collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including local multicultural organisations in the development and delivery of the project, which delivered over 3,800 face-to-face engagements and a mail out to over 14,400 homes.

In Toowoomba, QFES collaborates with MDA Ltd and volunteers from Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Support to develop a multi-agency approach to welcoming refugees to Towoomba from many places including Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Rwanda and Sudan. Initaitives are targeted at building and maintaining relationships between emergency services, multicultural and family support agencies, and multicultural community members. The program includes regular visits to Queensland Police Stations and Queensland Fire and Rescue Stations in Toowoomba and delivery of QFES’ SafeHome Program.

2.4.3. COMMUNITIES IN TRANSITION PILOT PROGRAM

The Queensland Government, led by the Department of Environment and Science, is delivering the placed- based Communities in Transition (CiT) Pilot Program to promote economic and social prosperity and climate resilience in regional Queensland.

Six communities have been engaged through a hands-on process to understand emerging trends and are having conversations about their future in the context of global change, including transitioning to a zero net emissions economy. The six communities are: Cook Shire, Charters Towers, Rockhampton, Barcaldine, Central Highlands and Goondiwindi.

The Clean Growth Choices consortium, a partnership between James Cook University, the University of Southern Queensland, CSIRO and the Eco Efficiency Group is working with these communities to create community profiles, identify pressures and opportunities and assess possible development pathways. These conversations will result in roadmaps and business cases by the end of 2019, to attract partnerships and investment.

CiT aims to promote regional development, transition to a low carbon economy and enhance liveability in regional communities. For more information visit: https://www.cleangrowthchoices.org/

2.4.4. MAPPING SOCIAL COHESION SCANLON FOUNDATION SURVEYS 2018 – QUEENSLAND REPORT

The Scanlon Foundation social cohesion surveys have tracked Australian public opinion since 2007. In 2017 the Queensland Government provided funding to boost the Queensland sample in the Scanlon Foundation telephone administered national survey to 1000 and in 2018 to 3000. The Mapping Social Cohesion Scanlon Foundation Surveys 2018 – Queensland Report (the Report) shows the majority of Queenslanders responded positively to immigration and multiculturalism.

The highest proportion of respondents with negative views are among those over the age of 65. The findings also found that as in other states there is a consistent pattern of lower support outside capital cities for immigration and cultural diversity. The Report highlighted the need for ongoing and strengthened efforts to sustain social cohesion, both in Queensland and nationally. The Queensland Government is

9 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs committed to tackling the profoundly negative impacts of discrimination and racism which undermine our vision for an inclusive, harmonious and united communities across Queensland. The Queensland Multicultural Policy outlines our commitment that racism has no place in Queensland, see: https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/policy-and-governance/multicultural-policy-and- action-plan.html

The MQAC previously met with Mayors and Councillors from seven councils to discuss the Report and highlighting the difference in attitudes towards migrants, multiculturalism and the Muslim community in Brisbane and in regional Queensland. Following the presentations, MQAC and local Mayors and Councillors discussed social cohesion and regional settlement challenges and opportunities in their regions, including the need to be proactive by showing leadership, sharing messages that everyone belongs, and layering diversity into all events.

2.4.5. QUEENSLAND SETTLEMENT PLANNING AND OUTCOMES COMMITTEE (QSPOC)

DLGRMA is the current chair of QSPOC. The current membership includes representatives from Queensland Government, Local Government Association of Queensland and the Queensland office of the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

QSPOC provides a forum for the three tiers of Government to collaboratively work to improve settlement- related services and outcomes for eligible recently-arrived permanent migrants (including refugees and humanitarian entrants) and longer-term temporary migrants. QSPOC meetings were put on hold pending the finalisation of the Humanitarian Settlement Program contract arrangements, but it is anticipated it will soon be reinvigorated to address and discuss key settlement planning issues.

DLGRMA also attends Local Area Collaborative meetings hosted by MDA Ltd in 5 locations across Queensland to engage with local stakeholders on key settlement issues. These issues can then be raised at QSPOC to determine a strategic path forward to resolving theme.

2.4.6. WELCOMING CITIES

Migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, working holiday makers and international students contribute to regional economies, bringing new perspectives and skills, expanding our links to overseas markets and supporting trade and tourism.

Several regional Queensland councils have publicly expressed the desire to boost their declining populations and to take advantage of economic opportunities which come from attracting and retaining migrants and refugees to their communities.

DLGRMA is working closely with Welcoming Cities, an organisation that supports local councils, and their communities, to become more welcoming and inclusive. (www.welcomingcities.org.au)

Welcoming Cities’ work recognises that of all tiers of government, councils are best placed to understand the complexity and diversity of their communities. Queensland is vast and each region has a unique culture and presents its own opportunities.

Welcoming Cities is supporting interested Queensland councils to build their understanding of regional opportunities for attracting and retaining new arrivals.

10 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

In 2018, Welcoming Cities advised DLGRMA on elements supporting regional settlement success and barriers to embracing diversity.

Welcoming Cities partnered with Monash University’s Monash Migration and Inclusion Centre to review available evidence, identify success factors and elements for supporting regional settlement and examine barriers to embracing diversity in a few areas.

Welcoming Cities identified the following key success factors of regional settlement:

• Essential: Locally-driven coordination, consultation, planning and budgeting • Essential: Meaningful consultation and a culture of welcome in ‘receiving’ communities • Essential: Employment that matches demand with the characteristics of new migrants • Essential: Accessible housing, transport and culturally-appropriate services • Desirable: Established ethnic communities and organisations.

For more summary findings on these key factors for successful settlement, see: https://welcomingcities.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/WelcomingRegions_Summary.pdf

While attraction and retention are important for regional communities, preparation of the existing or ‘receiving’ communities in regional areas is equally important. DLGRMA is currently focussed on creating and demonstrating welcome and inclusion approaches to support both those moving in and the cohesion of those already there.

2.4.7. REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

DLGRMA’s Regional Partnerships Projects will provide targeted one-off funding of $100,000 per annum over three years to up to three councils to deliver demonstration projects, with community-based delivery partners and local communities, that implement strategies that strengthen welcome and inclusion in these regional locations.

These projects draw on DLGRMA’s work with Welcoming Cities and will assist councils to support their ambitions for inclusion of new arrivals and attracting, growing and retaining diversity

The learnings from these demonstration projects will be harvested and shared to benefit other interested councils and communities looking to implement welcome and inclusion strategies, based on an informed picture of local community need and regional opportunity.

2.4.8. REFUGEE HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Health is an essential component of effective settlement and supports people from a refugee background to fully participate and contribute to economic, social and cultural outcomes. Health has been identified as a priority area under the National Settlement Framework and is a National Settlement Services Outcome Standard. To support these standards, five Hospital and Health Services across Queensland (including in Townsville, Cairns and Toowoomba) provide refugee health specific services, in partnership with General Practitioners and other primary healthcare professionals in the community, for people from refugee backgrounds that have arrived in Australia within the last 12-months.

11 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

Queensland Health is committed to ensuring people from a refugee background settling in all areas of Queensland have access to the right care, at the right time and in the right place to ensure they have the best possible health and wellbeing. Refugee Health and Wellbeing: a policy and action plan for Queensland 2017-2020 outlines action for the health system and partners to support the settlement experience and the lifelong health needs of people from refugee backgrounds. Action is focused around collaboration across sectors, resource sharing, providing culturally responsive services, improving access to interpreters and implementing innovative models of care.

The Department of Health funds the Refugee Health Network Queensland (RHNQ). RHNQ is a mechanism to build capacity and partnerships and facilitate coordination of care across health, settlement agencies, communities, government and non-government sectors. RHNQ is a ‘network of networks’ and includes regional networks that support regions to build capacity and partnerships to assist people from a refugee background.

RHNQ also identifies local regional needs and develops local solutions. For example, RHNQ worked with the Townsville oral health service, which is piloting a partnership program with the local TAFE (where newly arrived refugees attend English classes) to offer onsite oral healthcare from a mobile dental van in a culturally safe manner. This introduces refugees to oral health in a familiar and safe environment without having to miss classes or risk failing to fulfil Centrelink requirements around TAFE attendance.

2.5. LOCAL VOLUNTEERS, EMPLOYERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND THEIR ROLE IN FACILITATING REGIONAL SETTLEMENT

2.5.1. MULTICULTURAL QUEENSLAND AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The Multicultural Queensland Ambassador Program (the Ambassador Program) provides a unique opportunity to link corporate organisations with refugee and migrant job seekers across Queensland.

The organisations have been actively bringing the Charter to life through providing employment and training programs for refugees and migrants, hosting events such as Harmony Day celebrations and marking Refugee Week. Please see more information on the website: https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-queensland-ambassador-program.html

There are currently 102 organisations operating throughout Queensland in the Ambassador Program. Eighty-three are corporations, educational institutions and large ‘mainstream’ organisations. Some of these organisations include:

• major financial institutions such as Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and Suncorp • all major sporting codes • major sporting clubs • all but 2 of our universities • major retailers such as Woolworths.

The program also includes 19 of our most experienced multicultural organisations who act as cultural advisors to these corporations.

12 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

2.5.2. CELEBRATING MULTICULTURAL QUEENSLAND

The Celebrating Multicultural Queensland (CMQ) program provides funding towards events and projects that promote multiculturalism and pathways to participation – both social and economic. Please see more information on the website: https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/programs-and- initiatives/celebrating-multicultural-qld-program.html

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the success of these events. Volunteers give their time to plan the event, seek local donations, help with venue set up and contribute to debriefing sessions. The events funded under the CMQ program provide an opportunity for people to volunteer and participate in community events that otherwise may not have existed.

2.5.3. COMMUNITY ACTION FOR A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Community Action for a Multicultural Society (CAMS) program funds community-based organisations to support greater intercultural connectedness so that people from culturally diverse backgrounds can achieve their ambitions for social and economic participation. The CAMS program collectively supports a wide range of activities that directly and indirectly benefit Queenslanders from culturally diverse backgrounds. These activities include approaches that:

• build connectedness of individuals • work with community leaders to develop and implement strategies to address known issues • promote cross-cultural capability and understanding to build welcome and intercultural connection in the wider community.

There are currently 19 organisations throughout Queensland funded under the CAMS program. Please see more information on the website: https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/programs-and- initiatives/cams-program.htmls

2.6. RELEVANT MIGRATION POLICY, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATION AND STATE SPECIFIC MIGRATION MECHANISMS;

The Australian Government is responsible for immigration policy and legislation and determines the visa classes, eligibility criteria and decisions on visa applications. The Queensland Government has developed a specific policy (the Queensland Multicultural Policy) and associated action plans to support a culturally diverse Queenslanders including newly arrived people. Some key actions include:

• Agencies committing to improving the collection, use and availability of information on customers from culturally diverse backgrounds • All government agencies committing to sign up and participate in the Australian Human Rights Commission Racism. It stops with me campaign • 19 agencies committing to provide pathways to employment in the Queensland Public Sector for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum, such as through work experience, internships or targeted recruitment.

In 2018, the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs sent letters to two Australian Government Ministers responsible for the Multicultural Affairs portfolio proposing

13 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs to establish an inter-jurisdictional ministerial meeting to discuss mutual matters such as migrant settlement, social cohesion and multicultural affairs. As of 10 September 2019, no response has been received.

2.7. RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE MATTERS

2.7.1. LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES PROGRAM AND WORKS FOR QUEENSLAND

DLGRMA administers a number of grants programs including the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) and Works for Queensland (W4Q) Program which provide financial assistance to Councils for capital projects, maintenance of existing assets and minor infrastructure. While these programs provide critical municipal and essential infrastructure, they also create jobs across all communities and especially stimulate employment in rural and remote regions and localities throughout Queensland.

The LGGSP is an ongoing program which has most recently committed $58.563 million in project investment from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2021. This program supports Councils across Queensland to deliver priority infrastructure projects that contribute to sustainable and liveable communities and support local jobs.

The W4Q Program is a $600 million program which was launched in 2017 that supports Councils to maintain assets and undertake minor infrastructure projects, with funding now committed until 2021. As at July 2019, the program had created or sustained 16,800 jobs since its commencement, the majority of which are in regional Queensland. The most recent funding allocation for the 2019-2021 period will support 501 new projects.

2.8. ANY OTHER RELATED MATTER

2.8.1. SHIFTING MINDS: QUEENSLAND MENTAL HEALTH ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS STRATEGIC PLAN 2018-2023

Consideration of mental health and wellbeing should be a critical element to migrant settlement strategies. This includes strategies to address pre-existing mental illness, as well as responding to trauma and the impact of settlement. This will assist migrants to maintain and enhance their mental health and wellbeing which in turn will help people to settle into Australian life so that they may become contributing and valued members of the community. This will benefit individuals, families and communities.

Shifting minds: Queensland Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategic Plan 2018-2023, led by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, sets the five-year direction for a whole-of-person, whole-of- community and whole-of-government approach to improving the mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders. It identifies valuing culture as a guiding principle and includes consideration of the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse Queenslanders across its three focus areas: Better lives, Invest to save, and Whole-of-system improvement.

14 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

2.8.2. DATA AND INFORMATION SHARING

DLGRMA has been made aware through various meetings with other Queensland Government agencies that the current data received under the Human Settlement Program provided by the Department of Social Services and, more recently the Department of Home Affairs, is not providing enough information to be able to sufficiently plan for services and support of newly arrived people. For example, the current location data only has two regions for Queensland which does not provide enough detail for planning to be put in place for education, health and employment services. Informative and detailed data on newly arrived people will be vital for planning for and providing services and support in regional centres.

2.8.3. ACCESS TO INTERPRETERS AND INTERPRETER SERVICES

There are risks involved in not accessing qualified interpreters. Research would indicate that accessing interpreters early can help to reduce overall costs over time. Jurisdictions have varying approaches when accessing interpreter services. Being able to access qualified interpreters in regional areas, particularly when face to face interpreter services are required, is particularly challenging. Issues include:

• Lack of available interpreters, in new and emerging and some established languages (e.g. aging populations); • High percentage of unqualified interpreters provided by language services suppliers (and the associated risks); • The need for specialist interpreter training in areas such as: o Health/Mental health o Legal o Domestic Violence o Disability o Child protection/safety.

2.8.4. SPECIALIST SERVICES

In April 2018, MQAC conducted a community consultation on workforce capability for the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Toowoomba, Queensland. Participants included representatives from multicultural support services, employment and training programs and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. A publicly available report on the consultation is found at: https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/resources/multicultural/policy-governance/qld-advisory-council/mcaq- community-consultation-report-26-april-2018.pdf

The key themes arising from the community consultation were:

• lack of qualified interpreters in regional areas • difficulties understanding and accessing the system • gaps in service delivery • improving cultural capability amongst service providers, and • building a diverse workforce.

15 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs

2.8.5. ASYLUM SEEKER AND REFUGEE ASSISTANCE (ASRA) PROGRAM

The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring safe, caring and connected communities across Queensland, and the provision of inclusive services that address the needs of all Queenslanders. The Queensland Government committed $4.3 million through the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Assistance (ASRA) program over three years, 2017–19 to 2019–20, and engaged Communify Queensland to deliver support to alleviate the financial and mental distress of those most vulnerable. This funding goes to delivery of employment assistance, personal and family counselling, and addresses basic needs of individual clients such as food supplies and vouchers, clothing, medication, housing and allied health support. Please see the website for more information: https://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/multicultural-affairs/programs-and- initiatives/asylum-seeker-refugee-assistance-program.html

16 Queensland Government Submission to Australian Government Inquiry on Migration in Regional Australia – Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs