A re-elected Albanese Labor Government has pledged a $5 million investment in a new Multicultural Communities Swimming and Water Safety Program, aimed at reducing drowning deaths among Australians born overseas.
The initiative comes in response to alarming data showing that 34% of all drowning deaths in Australia involve individuals born outside the country. The program will provide up to 100 grants of $50,000 each to local councils, swim schools, lifesaving organisations, and educational institutions. These grants will fund community-based programs that focus on water safety education and swimming skills for multicultural communities with limited access to these vital services.
Participants in the program will be trained to meet key national water safety benchmarks, including the ability to swim 50 metres and float for two minutes. In addition, they will learn water safety strategies tailored to a range of aquatic environments such as beaches, rivers, and pools.
Beyond water safety, the program aims to strengthen social cohesion, support the integration of new migrants, and open pathways to employment in swimming and water safety instruction—delivering multiple community benefits through a coordinated approach.
The commitment aligns with the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 and reinforces Labor’s broader dedication to multicultural support and the prevention of avoidable drowning deaths. All funding will be allocated in accordance with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Local MPs Back the Initiative
Matt Thistlethwaite, Member for Kingsford Smith, emphasized the cultural importance of water activities in Australia and the potential dangers faced by those unfamiliar with aquatic safety.
“Spending time in and around the water is a vital part of the Australian way of life, but for many in our multicultural communities these same environments can be dangerous without proper water safety education,” he said.
“This $5 million program will help save lives by giving more Australians the skills they need to enjoy our waterways safely, while creating stronger community connections and employment opportunities.”
Sally Sitou, Member for Reid, highlighted the program’s relevance to her electorate.
“In my electorate of Reid, with its vibrant multicultural communities, this program will have an immediate and lasting impact on family safety around water,” she said.
“I’ve spoken with many families who have moved to Australia from countries where swimming isn’t part of the culture, and they worry about their children’s safety around our beaches, pools, and waterways. This program reflects the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to supporting our multicultural communities with programs that help to save lives while building stronger community connections.”
With this announcement, Labor reinforces its focus on inclusive safety initiatives that bridge cultural gaps and address urgent public health issues through practical, community-based action.
