The Minns Government has announced the inaugural members of the NSW Settlement Advisory Council, a newly established expert body that will advise the Minister for Multiculturalism and Multicultural NSW on refugee settlement policy.
The creation of the council — the first of its kind in New South Wales — reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the state’s refugee settlement processes and ensure NSW remains a welcoming home for people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds.
Chaired by Professor Peter Shergold AC, the NSW Coordinator General for Settlement, the council builds upon his longstanding leadership and brings together a diverse group of experts, including leaders with lived experience of displacement. Together, they will provide policy advice, support the implementation of the NSW Settlement Strategy, and champion better settlement outcomes across the state.
The NSW Settlement Strategy — also a state first — unifies existing and new government initiatives aimed at improving long-term outcomes for newly arrived communities.
NSW Settlement Advisory Council Membership:
- Professor Peter Shergold AC (Chair): Former Chancellor of Western Sydney University with extensive leadership experience across government, academia and the not-for-profit sector. NSW Coordinator General for Settlement since 2015.
- The Hon. Nick Greiner AC: Former Premier and Treasurer of NSW (1988–1992) and current board member of the Refugee Council of Australia.
- Scientia Professor Jane McAdam AO: Founder of the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at UNSW and a globally recognised authority on refugee law.
- Mr Jorge Aroche: Clinical psychologist and CEO of STARTTS since 1997, specialising in the treatment and rehabilitation of survivors of torture and trauma.
- Dr Anyier Yuol: South Sudanese Australian advocate, researcher and former Chair of ANCORW; Founder and President of Lead Beyond Education and Corporate Partnerships Manager for UNHCR Australia.
- Mr Mark Morey: Social worker and Secretary of Unions NSW since 2016, known for leading initiatives that support migrant workers, including the NSW Migrant Workers Hub.
Statements
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the council represents a major step toward strengthening settlement outcomes:
“The better we do at settling refugees, the quicker they can become contributing members of our local communities.
I am so proud of the establishment of the council, a state first, and the incredible calibre of expertise across the inaugural members.
This significant body and initiative showcase the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to making NSW a home to all.”
Professor Peter Shergold AC, Council Chair, welcomed the expertise assembled:
“I am hugely impressed by the calibre of every NSW Settlement Advisory Council member and grateful for their demonstrated passion for improving outcomes for people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds.
I thank the NSW Government and Multicultural NSW for the ongoing investment in the innovative NSW Settlement Strategy and welcome their continued support through the establishment of the inaugural NSW Settlement Advisory Council.”
Joseph La Posta, CEO of Multicultural NSW, highlighted the long-term contributions of refugees to Australia:
“Australia began to settle refugees in 1947 and since then, we have welcomed one million refugees through our Humanitarian Program.
In return, we’ve benefited from their experience, skills and creativity across every part of society, from business and philanthropy to culture and the arts.
The NSW Settlement Advisory Council brings together highly respected and influential experts across government, business, academia, community sector and refugee lived experience to champion better outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers in NSW.
Their expertise and leadership will help the NSW Government drive a better coordinated and more effective settlement system in NSW.”