[Greens-Media] New migrant fund a big win: Bandt

[Lawson, Damien (A. Bandt, MP)]

Media Release

Adam Bandt MP
Deputy Leader, Australian Greens
Federal Member for Melbourne

July 1 2013

New migrant fund a big win: Bandt

Greens Deputy Leader and workplace relations spokesperson Adam Bandt has welcomed a government fund to improve employment of new migrants announced today.

The $6.6 million Migrant Community Employment Fund, secured by Mr Bandt through discussion with the government, will assist employment agencies and community organisations respond to the underemployment of new migrants and refugees.

“We’ve got taxi drivers with Masters degrees. We’ve got local University graduates who can’t even get a job interview because their name is Mohamed or they wear a hijab. Something needs to change and this is a good start” Mr Bandt said

“This very important jobs initiative that will make a big impact on employment of people from refugee backgrounds across the country, including in my electorate of Melbourne.”

“I commend the work of the many African-Australians and members of the Melbourne Employment Forum who have fought hard for this fund and thank Minister Shorten for tackling this important issue.”

Contact: Damien Lawson 0487 900 005


Damien Lawson

Strategy and Communications Adviser
Office of Adam Bandt MP
T: 03 9642 0922 M: 0487 900 005
www.adambandt.com<http://www.adambandt.com>