The Albanese Government is continuing its investment in programs aimed at connecting new Australians with employers, industries and organisations facing ongoing workforce shortages, with a focus on practical pathways into employment.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly said the extension reflects the Government’s focus on practical outcomes for both migrants and employers.
“We’re backing practical programs that help people find work, while helping businesses and community organisations find the workers they need.”
She said economic participation plays a central role in settlement and integration.
“Economic participation is essential for integration and gives people security, confidence and a sense of belonging.”
As part of this approach, the Government will invest $7.7 million to extend the successful Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration (EPRI) program for a further 12 months, building on its work supporting refugees and humanitarian migrants into sustainable employment.
The program funds social enterprises with a strong record of improving workforce participation outcomes for refugees, including those with lower English proficiency, limited local experience, or fewer established professional networks.
So far, EPRI has supported more than 3,400 participants and 130 businesses through structured skills development, mentoring, work placements and direct links to employers across a range of industries.
The program is designed to remove key barriers to employment while also helping employers access job-ready workers in sectors such as retail, hospitality, care, logistics and business services.
EPRI-funded providers work closely with employers to understand workforce needs, prepare participants for Australian workplaces, and provide ongoing post-placement support to improve long-term employment outcomes.
Community Corporate’s Refugee E3 Project — Engage, Educate, Employ — is one example of this model in practice, partnering with major employers including Woolworths, IKEA and Accor to create structured employment pathways.
Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill said the program helps bridge labour market needs with migrant skills and readiness.
“This practical, evidence-based program helps employers access workers and enables new Australians to enter the workforce sooner,” Mr Hill said.
He added that strong workforce demand makes such programs increasingly important.
“Across the country, industries are looking for reliable staff. EPRI helps connect that demand with people who are ready and willing to work.”
Community Corporate CEO Carmen Garcia welcomed the funding extension, saying the program had delivered strong outcomes for participants and employers.
“We want to thank the Government and Department for their continued leadership and investment in refugees to access meaningful opportunities to thrive in Australia,” Ms Garcia said.
She said the employer-led model had proven effective in creating real job pathways.
“Our employer-led approach, partnering with large employers in need of ongoing supply of new employees, has provided practical pathways for refugees and continues to achieve great results.”
The extension of the EPRI program is expected to further strengthen workforce participation among humanitarian migrants while supporting employers to meet labour demand and improve long-term settlement outcomes.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
