The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) today released a new report which acts as a guide for Governments on how to engage with new and emerging migrant communities.
The report, titled New and Emerging Communities in Australia: Enhancing Capacity for Advocacy, also maps how new and emerging migrant communities currently represent their interests to government, and provides recommendations on how these communities can improve the effectiveness of their advocacy to decision makers.
FECCA CEO Mohammad Al-Khafaji said it is essential that all of Australia’s migrant groups are able to effectively advocate to Governments and other stakeholders.
“Almost one third of Australians were born overseas – a higher proportion than in the US, Canada, New Zealand and the UK,” he said.
“Those figures include Australians who were born in almost 200 different countries.
“While there are many large, established migrant communities, such as those from the UK, China, India and New Zealand, we are also seeing the growth of newer, smaller migrant communities.
“The social and economic disadvantage that many migrant and refugee communities face – especially those who are recently arrived – means it is important they have strong and effective advocates.
“Effective advocacy helps Governments better understand the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with the goal of improving outcomes for those individuals and communities.
“FECCA advocates on behalf of all culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, however we also want to ensure Governments know how to engage with these communities and that all migrant groups are equipped with the tools to secure good outcomes for their communities.”
Read the full report
FECCA is the peak, national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.
