John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Berowra for raising this very important topic for debate. The Adult Migrant English Program is an excellent part of our immigration system and one which allows new residents who come to our country to learn our language. It is not, however, a program that is well known in our communities and it is underutilised as a result. I hope this debate will raise more attention to this wonderful system.

The AMEP has been around for nearly 60 years now. It aims to promote and support the learning of English-language skills through the provision of timely and quality English-language services. Of course, it is vital for our communities and our international relations that migrants retain elements of the language and culture from their motherlands. It creates the vibrant communities that are on show in places like Eastwood in my electorate. However, it is undeniable that competency in English increases the chances for social participation, independence, personal and economic wellbeing. All of these contribute to an individual's success for settlement into the broader Australian community.

It is easy to forget how a lack of English proficiency can impact people beyond just holding conversations. Migrants have told me, before they learnt English, how their health suffered because they were intimidated by the booking systems for doctors' appointments. They could not get around because they did not understand road signs or public transport timetables. Lack of English was crippling their wellbeing.

We have a number of local English-language schools in my electorate and all do excellent work in improving the social and employment chances for their students. The Australian Chinese Cultural Association of New South Wales' Chinese-language school, for example, last year celebrated their 40th anniversary. The principal, Dr Phil Xu, runs a vital service and makes a fantastic contribution to our local community, which is evident for all to see.

AMEP is managed by our excellent Meadowbank TAFE campus. It provides 510 hours of English classes, which amounts to nearly 15 weeks of full-time classes. As the motion states, last year more than 59,000 new migrants and humanitarian entrants benefited from training developed by the AMEP. While all clients are seeking to learn or improve their English, many clients are seeking sustainable employment and would benefit from a stronger employment focus in their English-language training and exposure. Others are seeking greater competency in English to help to participate more independently in the local community and region.

Many clients also wish to participate in employment concurrently with AMEP. Recent reforms have therefore divided the hours into two essential streams: the pre-employment English stream and the social English stream. Crucially, the streams can be adjusted so that the system suits those looking for work or those who need to help adjusting into their new social surroundings. Recent changes have made further important updates to the system. Both streams will include mandatory units on Australian laws, culture and values. There will also be specific units for younger people under 24 years of age who have different needs in their use of language to their older counterparts. Importantly, there is now also the facility for up to an additional 490 hours of English tuition where clients have accessed their full entitlement but are yet to achieve functional English. This will ensure that nobody is left behind. We are encouraging greater flexibility and innovation in where and how services are delivered.

Bennelong is very fortunate to be enriched with cultures from around the globe. These communities have had great success in finding a balance between integrating into the Australian way of life and retaining important aspects of the many cultures and thus fusing disparate communities into a unique but strong local identity. Understanding our language is essential to getting a job, receiving services or having a social life. The Adult Migrant English Program is helping thousands of people settle into their new country, and I recommend the program to all new residents of this great nation.

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