Basem Abdo (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week I joined the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Anne Aly, in my electorate for a visit to the Brotherhood of St Laurence, where, together, we heard directly from young people in our community who have participated in their Youth Transitions Support Pilot Program.

The YTS Pilot Program supports young refugees aged 15 to 25, providing guidance and practical support to help them participate fully in our community through work, education and sport. The program delivers pathways for young refugees to connect with employers, gain work and volunteer experience, and access career guidance, mentoring, training, coaching and support, often at moments when it is needed most.

Among those we met was Jawid Noorzai, a 21-year-old originally from Afghanistan, who was connected to the YTS program through another local institution, the Kangan Institute, during his studies. Jawid was initially uncertain about his education and employment pathway. With encouragement and support from YTS, he was accepted into a Diploma of Information Technology at RMIT University. Since then, Jawid has pursued a full-time career in the insulation industry and is giving back, through his involvement as a casual youth adviser, to support other young people along similar settlement journeys.

We were also introduced to Dina, a 20-year old who came to Australia from Iraq with her family five years ago and now lives in Craigieburn. Dina faced challenges engaging with the education system due to earlier disruptions in life. After connecting with YTS, she was able to develop her skills, build confidence and pursue her aspirations, securing work as a youth adviser with the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, followed by full-time employment in the hospitality industry. Similar stories were shared by other participants, including Lencho and Sandra, who connected with YTS activities while undertaking their Adult Migrant English Program studies at local institutions in my community.

I want to congratulate these young people not only for their personal achievements but for their generosity in giving back as youth advisers when given the opportunity. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what is possible when we invest in people. The Albanese Labor government is committed to community led, place based programs that provide early, practical support, meeting young people where they are and backing their potential. That's because, when we invest in young people in their formative years, we are investing in the skills, confidence and potential that strengthen communities for the long term, reducing disadvantage, increasing participation and supporting better outcomes across education and employment.