Australia's Migration Program has steadily evolved since 1945 when the first federal immigration portfolio was created. The change in focus from increasing the population to meeting the labour needs of the economy is examined in this Background Note. As part of its planned Migration Program, the federal government allocates places each year for people wanting...

Australia's settlement services for refugees and migrants have evolved over the last 60 years from the provision of basic on-arrival accommodation and assistance, to more intensive support programs targeted at meeting the specific needs of humanitarian entrants. * In recent years there has been an increased focus on how settlement and related services can contribute...