The report presents findings from national consultations with over 100 young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds and 90 sector professionals. It explores the multifaceted challenges these youth face in settling into Australian society, particularly in the post-COVID context.
Key issues identified include barriers in education, employment, health and wellbeing, social connectedness, and navigating complex systems and laws. Racism and discrimination were found to be persistent and harmful across all domains. The report also highlights the unique challenges of regional settlement, such as limited infrastructure, healthcare, and educational opportunities, which often lead to youth disengagement and migration to urban centres.
MYAN advocates for a coordinated, youth-informed approach to settlement services, emphasising place-based planning, inclusive policy development, and sustained investment. The report outlines practical recommendations and showcases local good practice initiatives that could be scaled nationally. It calls for stronger collaboration across government, community, and youth sectors to ensure young people from diverse backgrounds are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive in Australia.
