The Andrews Labor government handed down a tough Budget on Tuesday, with a raft of measures aimed at tackling Victoria's significant burden of debt in the wake of the pandemic.
Despite the challenging economic landscape, the Budget 2023-24 delivered a strong $120 million investment over four years for programs supporting multicultural communities. This includes $40 million for the Multicultural Infrastructure Fund, which will support the construction and upgrade of community facilities, $12 million for multicultural festivals and events, as well as new funding of $2.5 million for multicultural museums and $1.5 million for multicultural media.Given the central role small business will play in Victoria's economic recovery, we welcome support for multicultural traders’ associations and investment in our vibrant multicultural businesses and cultural precincts.
This Budget also delivered on the election promise of a much-needed boost to ECCV’s core funding. We look forward to continuing our policy and advocacy work, and greater collaboration with the government and the multicultural sector to improve service design and delivery.
Targeted, culturally responsive support will be essential to ensure that vulnerable members of our diverse communities can access the support they need and are not disproportionately impacted by cost-of-living pressures and public service cuts.
We were particularly pleased with the $6 million allocated in the Budget to combat Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. In light of recent events, it is imperative that the government takes a strong stance against racism and vilification.
We look forward to learning more about the Victorian Anti-Racism Strategy next month at our member forum on racism. We will be joined by Nathan Lambert MP, co-chair of the Anti-Racism Taskforce, who will provide an update on the Strategy and lead a discussion on how it can most effectively address racism and support migrant and refugee communities across the state.
The forum will also feature a panel discussion exploring anti-racism action at local and state levels. We invite you to join us at this special event to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can tackle racism together.
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson
GATHERING | Beyond Symbolism: Tackling Racism Together | Thursday 15 June 2023 | 6–8pm AEST
ECCV is holding a member forum on 15 June exploring the topic of how to create meaningful action against racism. The event will feature a presentation and discussion on the Victorian Anti-Racism Strategy led by Nathan Lambert MP, co-chair of the Anti-Racism Taskforce. This will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A looking at effective anti-racism initiatives at local and state levels.- Where: Box Hill Town Hall 1022 Whitehorse Road Box Hill, VIC 3128
- Cost: Free
- Bookings: online through Eventbrite