Employment is an important component of successful settlement, supporting financial security, independence, and social connection. The Discussion Paper identifies entry into employment and financial stability as key transitions in the settlement journey. The MWC welcomes the Discussion Paper's focus on long-term outcomes, and its recognition of economic participation and economic security as core objectives of a more integrated settlement system. Our submission builds on this by emphasising that the quality of employment is critical to sustained economic participation. This outcome depends on whether work is fair, safe, and secure, and whether workers can understand and enforce their rights. To support this, the reformed Settlement Grants Program should embed workplace rights education and pathways to specialist employment legal support as funded, explicit component of service delivery.

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Summary of recommendations

Recommendation 1.
The reformed Settlement Grants Program should define and measure successful economic participation by the quality and sustainability of employment, including fair pay, safety, security, opportunities for progression, and freedom from exploitation.

Recommendation 2.
Workplace rights education should be established as a funded and explicit component of settlement services, delivered through accessible, culturally responsive and community-based approaches.

Recommendation 3.
The reformed program should establish clear referral pathways between settlement and employment services and specialist employment legal services, so that migrants and humanitarian entrants can access timely assistance when they experience workplace exploitation or require advice about their workplace rights.