(1888PressRelease)
May 19, 2007 - The Department of Immigration and Citizenship will receive additional funding of $359 million in the 2007-08 Budget to help meet the labour force needs of Australia’s economy, ensure we have a cohesive community and strong border security.
The Australian Government’s new citizenship test will ensure new Australian citizens are committed to Australia’s values and way of life.
The 2007-08 Budget provides funding of $123.6 million over five years to deliver the Australian Government’s new citizenship test, to be introduced in 2007.
The planning number for the Migration Programme will be set at 152,800 places in 2007-08. This level will strengthen our economy and maintain a strong cohesive community.
The Skilled Migration Stream will have a modest increase of 5,000 places with a total of 102,500 places. The family stream will be maintained at the 2006-07 level of 50,000 places.
The 2007-08 Budget will strengthen Australia’s borders against the increasingly sophisticated criminal networks who engage in people smuggling. Ten additional Airline Liaison Officers (ALOs) will be placed at overseas airports. The Australian Government will also provide funding of $7.7 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Indonesia. The funding will provide training and resources for the care of intercepted people and a dedicated unit to manage voluntary returns.
The Australian Government is committed to supporting humanitarian entrants to settle in Australia and become part of the Australian community. The 2007-08 Budget delivers $209.2 million over four years to assist recently arrived refugee and humanitarian entrants to settle into the community. The Budget also maintains 13,000 places for refugees and humanitarian entrants.
Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
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