Welfare changes to impact migrants

Community groups are saying the government's new welfare laws will make it harder for migrants to live in Australia.

Australian Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison speaks during a press conference. Source: AAP

From July next year new migrants will have to wait three years before they can access certain welfare payments, extending the current two-year waiting period. Treasurer Scott Morrison made the announcement as a key new savings measure when providing an update on the country's budget outlook. The government says the new measure will save $1.3 billion over the next four years. But community groups are saying it'll come at a great cost.