The feature on Somali-Australians published in the June 27- July 3 edition of The East African Magazine, tells the important story of some first-generation Somali-Australian immigrants in Melbourne. It provides some insights into the challenges that newly arrived migrants can face in re-establishing their lives in a new country — even a vibrant multicultural society like Australia’s. But it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Somali immigrants do not face these challenges alone. The Australian government and community groups offer a range of programmes and services to make the transition easier.
Most importantly, I would like to correct the erroneous impression created by Ralph Johnstone’s article that – as the headline put it – “If you’re Somali, don’t bother to look for a job.” On the contrary, over time, many Somali-Australians are finding gainful employment. An important government-commissioned report was released last month on the economic, social and civic contributions of first- and second-generation humanitarian entrants to Australia. In it, Prof Graeme Hugo from the University of Adelaide found that only a minority of Somali-Australians experience an extended period in low-paid, low-status employment niches in the “secondary labour market.”
Encouragingly, the report also found clear evidence of upward mobility over time. While the unemployment rate for first-generation, Somali-born humanitarian entrants (41 per cent) is higher than for some other groups, the unemployment rate for second-generation Somali-Australians drops to almost a third of that figure.
The Hugo Report also found strong evidence of cross-generational upward mobility thanks to education. Due to the hard work and determination of their parents, the second generation experiences higher levels of post-school education and greater success in the labour force.
Humanitarian entrants also display more entrepreneurial qualities compared with other migrant groups, with a higher than average proportion engaging in small and medium-sized business enterprises. According to the Hugo Report, “A quarter (25.5 per cent) of Somalis who are in the workforce are owner/managers,” which highlights that Somali culture is “especially encouraging of entrepreneurialism” and that Somali-Australians “have the traditional institutions, experiences and motivations to create new businesses and take particular advantage of employment opportunities.”
Given that many Somali-Australians were selected for resettlement in Australia on humanitarian grounds or to be reunified with close relatives, children and spouses, on arriving in Australia, they did not necessarily have professional skills in areas of labour market shortage. To help humanitarian entrants and migrants re-establish their lives in Australia, the government and various community organisations undertake a range of activities directed at fostering a sense of belonging among new migrants, and improving their access to employment, training opportunities and health care. Tailored assistance is available to help migrants get their overseas qualifications and experience recognised.
The government also provides new migrants with settlement support services that focus on building self-sufficiency, developing English language skills and facilitating connections with social services.
In the past 11 years, more than Australian $8 million (approx $7.6 million) in community grants has been provided under the Diversity and Social Cohesion Programme for 257 projects involving members of the African community. The projects addressed cultural, racial and religious intolerance by promoting respect, fairness and a sense of belonging for everyone, as well as building the skills of specific community groups.
In 2010-11 alone, more than $1.7 million was awarded to 42 projects including about 30 projects that involve members of the Somali-Australian community.
Regardless of whether they came to Australia as refugees or migrants, all residents enjoy the protection of Australian laws, including those guarding against discrimination. The government is proud of its record in supporting the most vulnerable and of Australia’s culturally diverse society, which continues to be enriched by the contributions of new migrants — including those from Somalia and other parts of Africa.
Source: The East African
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