We are proud to share our Joint Submission into the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Support Needs for Older Victorians from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds, developed in partnership with the National Ageing Research Institute Ltd. (NARI) Carers Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria.
Australia is unique in being one of the most multicultural countries in the world, more so than the US, Canada, and New Zealand. About 30% of Australians aged 65+ were born overseas, mainly in non- English speaking countries, and >24% speak a language other than English at home. Demographic projections show that in coming decades the proportion of older migrant and refugee Australians will increase with the highest growth rates projected for the Asia-born populations (>200% growth).
Our Joint Submission makes some clear recommendations to support older people from migrant and refugee backgrounds both right now and in the future.