AUSTRALIA Post’s Dandenong Letters Centre was home to the unveiling of a new migrant and refugee workplace guide – and with good reason.
More than 40 per cent of the Dandenong South facility’s employees are from a migrant background.
The guide, Connections: An employer’s guide to working with migrants and refugees, is designed to maximise their potential.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Kate Lundy said the publication provided information for businesses about how to best engage with migrant and refugee employees and support them in the workplace.
“Many employers in Australia have invested in migrant and refugee employees and benefited from the diversity they have brought to the workplace,” she said.
“The benefits to the community when newly-arrived migrants are engaged in meaningful work are enormous.
“Employment provides an opportunity for new migrants to contribute to the economy and familiarise themselves with working life in Australia.”
The publication includes tips on how employers can access government-funded programs on migrant and refugee employment and engage with community and other non-government organisations.
“The information guide includes ideas on mentoring, how to convey information and the use of jargon, and information specific to working with migrants and refugees including dealing with cultural differences,” Ms Lundy said.
The Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils Australia (FECCA) launched a suite of fact sheets to complement the guide.
“The fact sheets provide guidance on managing diversity in the workplace and maximising its value, which will help to create an inclusive workforce,” Ms Lundy said.
“We want all migrants and refugees to fully participate in the Australian community, and meaningful employment is crucial to this.”
Visit www.immi.gov.au/employers or www.fecca.org.au for more information.
