New laws that allow more migrants to gain access to free English language classes have been introduced into the national Parliament.
Acting Minister for Immigration, Alan Tudge said the aim was to promote a higher standard of English among migrants so they had the best chance to succeed in Australia.
“The Immigration (Education) Amendment (Expanding Access to English Tuition) Bill 2020 will be one of the most significant reforms to the Adult Migrant English Program in the program’s history,” Mr Tudge said.
“It is the first part of the Government’s three-part plan to make English tuition more accessible, ensure better quality outcomes and encourage greater participation,” he said.
He said the Bill removed the 510-hour limit on classes and would allow people to continue with the program until they reached a vocational level of English.
“The time limits on enrolling, commencing and completing tuition will also be waived for those who arrived in Australia on or before 1 October 2020, meaning even those who have been here for some time can access the classes,” Mr Tudge said.
“We are making the program more flexible to help those who are working or have caring responsibilities, including mothers. These changes may include better use of technology, online classes and on-the-job learning.”
He said the Department of Home Affairs would work closely with English language providers to ensure the reforms improved quality and results, by linking funding directly to outcomes.
“From late 2021, new partner visa applicants and permanent resident sponsors will be required to make reasonable efforts to learn English, if they don’t already have functional English,” Mr Tudge said.
“Completing these English classes will be enough to demonstrate that reasonable effort,” he said.
