AUSTRALIA’S migrants are abandoning their adopted country at record levels, new data reveals. The number of former migrants leaving country has doubled in just over a decade to 48,000 and last year made up more than half of all Australians…

The rate of youth unemployment has soared across the country with the level in Victoria reaching 14%, according to recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The worst hit areas are Melbourne’s outer suburbs and the regions, including north-east…

WA’s aged-care sector says migrants could help address a shortfall of workers that is forecast to worsen as the population ages. Industry and lobby groups have backed a push by Age Discrimination Commissioner Susan Ryan to have aged-care workers added…

A “COMMUNITY passport” is giving asylum seekers free swimming, classes and healthcare in Darebin. Asylum seekers can show the passports to access a range of services free of charge through the Darebin Asylum Seeker Support Project, including access to swimming…

The case of an Indian student, brutally bashed in Melbourne late last year, has prompted calls for changes to Australia’s migration regulations. Manrajwinder Singh was attacked on December 29 while on a night out with friends to celebrate the end…

Australia may have truly entered the ‘Asian century’ with 2011 census data showing the fastest newly emerging ethnic communities are mostly from Asia. The data shows migrants from India, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are…

AMES this week launched an initiative that will see asylum seeker clients from the City of Melbourne get free bicycles as well as training in cycle maintenance and safety. The Good Wheel Project provides bikes, helmets, locks and lights as…

Migrant and Indigenous organisations have given mixed reactions to plans to expand the Work for the Dole scheme. Read more: http://www.sbs.com.au/podcasts/Podcasts/radionews/episode/314562/Mixed-reaction-to-work-for-the-dole-plan

AN ANCIENT Aboriginal dance by indigenous children served as a fitting welcome to our country’s newest citizens. Yesterday, more than 17,000 people pledged their allegiance to the nation in about 400 ceremonies across the country. Read more: http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/2047065/new-citizens-and-heritages-welcomed-into-wagga-family/

A former refugee from Bhutan has been named the very first ‘New Australian of the Year’. It is the first time the Australia Day Council has awarded the accolade, which aims to recognise the efforts of Australia’s migrants and refugees.…

Whichever side won the September election, Australia’s policy on asylum seekers was destined to take on an even harsher edge. The Coalition campaigned for zero tolerance; Kevin Rudd sought to more than match it. If the boats were really to…

INDONESIA has demanded the federal government ­suspends its policy of turning back asylum seeker vessels and will ramp up naval patrols on Australia’s northern borders. The escalation came after the federal government apologised for Australian Navy and Customs vessels trespassing…