2024 – The challenges and opportunities head
As 2024 gets underway, it seems we are facing another challenging year with ongoing global conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere.
These conflicts are generating dire humanitarian crises and feeding into global economic uncertainty, which is manifested here in Australia through a cost of living crisis affecting the most vulnerable in our society.
Adding to this problematic outlook is the potential for political change in the US and Europe that could affect humanitarian efforts and the flow of refugees to safe resettlement.
On a positive note, here in Australia 2024 presents an opportunity for us at AMES Australia to capitalise on positive policy developments that have stemmed from the federal government’s reviews of the migration and employment services systems.
These reforms are an opportunity for us to provide even better settlement outcomes for migrants and refugees. And they represent a green light in our work in contributing to the continued development of Australia’s successful multicultural society.
Once again, I want to thank all AMES staff and volunteers for all of their commitment and hard work in delivering critical services to our clients across the organisation.
This week we welcome a new Chief Financial Officer. Paul Stathis has over 20-years’ experience in senior finance and business management roles across various sectors including education, legal and health. He is excited to be joining AMES and will start February 5.
I look forward to working with you all through 2024 in prosecuting our vision of ‘social and economic participation for all in a diverse and cohesive society’.
Cath Scarth, AMES Australia CEO
2 February, 2024