Building a New Life in Australia:
The Longitudinal Study of Humanitarian Migrants
Building a New Life in Australia is a long-term research project about how humanitarian migrants settle into a new life in Australia.
- This longitudinal study will be conducted over 5 years.
- It is the first comprehensive study of its kind in more than a decade.
- Data collection will commence in 2013 and run until 2018.
The study has been commissioned by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Purpose of the study
The study findings will
- highlight what helps successful settlement of humanitarian migrants
- assist in improving program delivery and policies
In the longer term, key findings from the research will be made publicly available and researchers will be able to access the data, upon request, for further analysis. Personal details that could identify participants, or their family, will be removed before researchers have access to the data.
People taking part
More than 1500 families who are building a new life in rural and urban communities around Australia will be asked to take part in the research.
These families (or "migrating units") will have had their status as humanitarian migrants resolved before being invited to take part in the study.
Humanitarian migrants will have experienced trauma and persecution. Many will have spent time in refugee camps or detention centres pending resolution of their status. They will be establishing new lives in unfamiliar surroundings, often with limited support and resources. Their experiences and circumstances will inevitably shape how readily they adapt to their new life in Australia.
When
Recruitment to the Building a New Life in Australia study will take place during 2013-14.
The study will follow this group over five years through their journey to eligibility for citizenship, to understand how their experiences and views change over time.
Consultation
As part of the project development, AIFS has commenced consultation with key representatives from peak agencies, settlement service providers and community groups.
Support from organisations who assist newly arrived humanitarian migrants is essential to the success of the research.
The main purposes of this community consultation are to
- help inform key aspects of the study design and survey content,
- promote the study to other relevant community groups and organisations, and
- encourage and support the participation and on-going involvement of families and individuals who are eligible for the study.
Input from key stakeholders will continue until the pilot study commences in May 2013.
Reference groups
Survey Reference Group
A Survey Reference Group has been established to provide advice on the research methodology, survey design and recruitment of participants.
The Reference Group comprises Commonwealth government officials, external stakeholders and experts.
Technical Advisory Group
A Technical Advisory Group has been established to provide advice and recommendations on technical research matters. It comprises experts in refugee resettlement and longitudinal survey research methods and analysis.
Further information
If you are interested in contributing to the study or would like to find out more, please contact us.
More information about the project can be found at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.