Senator promotes new Australian immigration publication

'The Settlement Journey: Strengthening Australia through migration' is designed to help new migrants locate the services and assistance they might require during their first five years in the country.

"I am delighted to launch The Settlement Journey: Strengthening Australia through migration, which outlines the government's settlement policy and suite of services available to help new migrants build a new life in Australia," said Senator Lundy.

"The Australian government's settlement policy is calibrated to capitalise on the economic, social, and humanitarian benefits of migration so that new migrants can flourish and Australia can prosper."

The new guide, which will be distributed to migrant resource centres, councils and other community centres, will contain information helping new migrants find jobs and access public services.

"Australia's settlement policy is an important element of the government's vision of a socially inclusive society in which all Australians are valued and have the opportunity to participate fully."

Leonie Cotton, casework manager at the Australian Visa Bureau, says guides like this can help out even the most confident of migrants.

"A lot of people take for granted that as Australia is English-speaking and has a similar culture to the UK, it will be an easy adjustment," said Ms Cotton.

"However, while adjusting to life in Australia is usually very simple, it's still moving to a foreign country on the other side of the world and little difficulties are always encountered, guides like the senator's help make sure the moving process goes as smoothly as possible."

A copy of the guide can be found on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's website here.

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The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people lodge applications with the Australian Embassy.