The Multicultural Framework Review report, released on 24 July 2024, is the first comprehensive examination of the state of Australian multiculturalism in a generation.
We applaud the federal government on its commitment to sustaining our nation's diverse future and endorsing the principles of the report.
We were especially pleased to see the Towards Fairness: A Multicultural Australia for All report recommend a whole-of-government approach to multiculturalism that treats the rights and needs of our communities as a whole, not as an afterthought. We also welcome the recommendations to establish a national multicultural research agenda, a Multicultural Affairs Commission and Commissioner, and a dedicated Department of Multicultural Affairs, Immigration & Citizenship.
Congratulations to Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO, Nyadol Nyuon OAM and Christine Castley of the Review Panel on producing this landmark report, and the extensive consultations undertaken as part of the review.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Hon Andrew Giles on the significant strides he made as Minister for Immigration, Citizenship & Multicultural Affairs. Congratulations to the Hon Tony Burke on his appointment as the Minister for Immigration & Multicultural Affairs and the Hon Julian Hill MP on his appointment as the Assistant Minister for Citizenship & Multicultural Affairs.
We look forward to continuing to work with our communities and with government at all levels to embed a strong multicultural framework.
Eddie Micallef, Chairperson
Highlights
MAKING | An impact on youth mental health
ECCV is launching the Multicultural Young Advocacy Group (MYAG) to help shape youth mental health support. Young Victorians aged 18-26 from multicultural backgrounds are invited to join the Group to co-design mental health training and co-deliver mental health self-advocacy workshops. This is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership experience and connect with like-minded peers.
APPEARED | At federal civics inquiry
ECCV Chairperson Eddie Micallef and Senior Policy Advisor James Houghton presented at the Australian Parliamentary Inquiry into civics education, engagement and participation alongside federal counterparts in FECCA. Our presentation emphasised the threat of misinformation and the importance of co-designing targeted programs with trusted community leaders and organisations.
REPORTING | Multicultural emergency management forum
More than 60 community leaders, researchers and decision-makers from regional ethnic councils and the emergency sector took part in ECCV's Knowledge Sharing Forum in July. Attendees heard from guest speaker Allyson Lardner, EMV Assistant Commissioner, and participated in facilitated workshops, sharing their insights on supporting multicultural communities to be more disaster resilient.
SUPPORTING | Ground-breaking new research on racism
ECCV was proud to support a new report looking at ways to improve reporting pathways and services for Victorians who experience racism, launched in July. The report is the result of a two-year research project led by Victoria University in collaboration with ECCV and the Islamic Council of Victoria. Informed by a survey of 700+ Victorians, the report found the majority of racist incidents in the state go unreported.
CONSULTING | Multicultural insights at VCOSS
ECCV was pleased to take part in a consultation held last month by the Victorian Council of Social Service to inform their submission to the 2025-26 Budget. We emphasised cost of living support, anti-racism, employment and mental health as key priorities for multicultural Victoria, and made the recommendation that all government programs consider the needs of our state's culturally diverse communities.
REPORTING | New guide to help employers tackle racism
ECCV attended the launch of a new guide by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission providing advice to employers on strategies to tackle racism in the workplace. The report was launched by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt MP and attended by Sheena Watt MP, Anti-Racism Taskforce Co-Chair, as well as other taskforce members.
Opportunities and Resources
HEARING | Diverse stories of people with disability
ECCV is excited to continue collaborating with the Ethnic Communities' Council of NSW in promoting the Speak My Language (Disability) podcast series. Featuring interviews in 24 languages, the series showcases the real stories of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds living well with disability, and highlights organisations and businesses advocating for disability inclusion.
RAISING | Voices of diverse people with disability
In partnership with the Migrant Resource Centre North West Region, ECCV is delivering workshops to empower people with disability from migrant and refugee communities. The Raise Our Voices program supports people with disability from multicultural backgrounds to understand what self-advocacy is, why it's important and how they can improve their self-advocacy skills.
PARTICIPATING | In our mental health workshops
Do you work in the mental health sector and want to learn more about providing culturally safe care? ECCV is running workshops to help practitioners deepen their understanding of the factors impacting poorer mental health outcomes for multicultural communities. To arrange a workshop, contact ECCV Partnerships & Engagement Lead Surmeli Yesilyurt on 0481 589 664 or at syesilyurt@eccv.org.au.
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Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV)
Address: Suite 101, 398 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic 3058
Tel: (03) 9354 9555
ECCV acknowledges the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners of the Country on which we work. We pay respect to their Elders past and present, acknowledge their continuing connections to land, sea and community, and extend respect to Traditional Owners throughout Victoria.