We are pleased to begin the new year by sharing ECCV's Pre-Budget Submission 2024-25.
The past year has seen the worst cost of living crisis in Australia in over two decades. Migrants and refugees have been hit particularly hard, and our submission calls for a targeted approach to address the unique barriers our diverse communities face in accessing support.
Our submission also highlights the rise in racism and vilification, including the visibility of the far right in recent years, and its impact on our communities. We call for the implementation of anti-racism measures as a priority, particularly at the institutional level.
Key recommendations in our Pre-Budget Submission 2024-25 include:
- Tackling inequalities exacerbated by the rising cost of living by investing in public housing, making utility, food and emergency relief accessible for people regardless of visa status, and funding community organisations to train and employ bicultural outreach workers.
- Creating lasting systemic change by committing priority funding to implement the Victorian Anti-Racism Strategy, including expanded funding for local government and community anti-racism initiatives.
- Supporting jobseekers from diverse backgrounds into sustainable employment via the implementation of a Multicultural Employment Strategy.
- Investing in core funding for regional ethnic communities’ councils and peak multicultural organisations to continue to identify and coordinate responses to key issues across regional Victoria.
- Backing for First Nations and multicultural communities to co-design and implement strategies that strengthen relationships between communities.
- Investing in support for older people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to live in culturally safe and responsive accommodation.
Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences, ideas and insights as part of our consultation process. We encourage you to share this submission with your networks and support us in advocating for meaningful budget commitments to address the needs of our diverse communities.