Page 2281 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 3 August 2022
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Unfortunately, this is only available to eligible permanent or temporary visa holders. The ACT government fills this gap in need by funding equivalent English language programs for temporary visa holders in the ACT who are not eligible for the federal government’s program. These are delivered by the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services, MARSS, and CIT. MARSS is funded $40,000 per year to deliver English language programs for refugees, asylum seekers and ACT Services Access card holders. MARSS offers three English language programs—English for Employment, English for Living and the Home Tutor Program—and refers participants to support services in employment, health, accommodation and grants. The program does not currently support childcare options. Two financial years ago, there were 17 students enrolled in the MARSS English for Employment classes, 79 clients in English for Living, and 33 in the Home Tutor Program.
CIT is funded $10,000 per year by the ACT government to deliver English courses to ACT Services Access Card asylum seekers who are not eligible for AMEP classes. Eligible participants are entitled to two free full-time semesters, or part-time equivalent, of English. Since 2015 CIT has provided this service to more than 115 ACT Access Card holders. Through this program, CIT works with other service providers to support ACT Access Card holders access other services, including employment assistance. In addition, Libraries ACT currently hosts nine English conversation classes across five libraries and online. While there are no childcare options for participants in library-hosted classes, access to online classes assists some parents with caring responsibilities.
Finally, there are a wide range of other English classes and conversation groups available across Canberra, including free English learning in all ACT public schools; commercial English language programs for different purposes, including diplomatic visa holders, international students and people in specific professions and vocations; and community groups and networks who support the learning of English through social English programs, including parent, volunteer and youth groups, clubs and employers.
Given that I am out of time, I will table the rest of my statement:
Language challenges facing Canberra’s multicultural community—Government response to the resolution of the Assembly—Tabling statement, dated August 2022.
Thank you.
Debate (on motion by Mr Braddock) adjourned to the next sitting.
Justice—confiscation of criminal assets review
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Manager of Government Business, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety, Minister for Planning and Land Management and Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (3.25): Pursuant to standing order 211, I move:
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