Chairperson of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia (FECCA) Mr Joe Caputo OAM, acting in his capacity of Board Director of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), today gave evidence to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights’ Inquiry into Freedom of Speech in Australia.

In his evidence, Mr Caputo stated that ‘Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, as it is, is crucial to maintain our social cohesion.’

‘ECCV wants to see the Government strengthen 18C – not weaken it,’ he continued.

Mr Caputo stated, ‘ECCV is particularly concerned about the increase of hostility toward Muslims and other minority groups in Australia. In recent years there has been a rise in anti-multiculturalism rallies and racist attacks which promote feelings of exclusion and fear in the community.’

He further commented to the Committee, ‘Section 18C needs to be strengthened by including ‘religion’ to reflect the currently high levels of discrimination aimed at some culturally diverse communities’.

Mr Caputo expressed concern that the Inquiry’s terms of reference threaten Australia’s social cohesion and harm Australia’s international reputation as a strong, successful multicultural and multi-faith community.

‘This is an important juncture in Australian history and ECCV implores all parliamentarians to take full responsibility for the wording in their terms of reference and in their public comments,’ he said.

ECCV is a state-wide peak advocacy member-based organisation that represents ethnic and multicultural organisations and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. ECCV has over 200 ethnic organisations affiliated and active in its network.

FECCA is the national peak body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.

Media contact: (0424) 910617 / emma@mediafb85f8131c.wpcomstaging.com

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has submitted its budget priorities to the Treasury as part of the pre-budget process.

Chairperson of FECCA, Joe Caputo said: ‘FECCA’s budget priorities will support equity and access to Government services and increasing opportunities for CALD Australians to fully participate in the Australian economy and society.’

‘FECCA believes that the budget must include measures to protect Australia’s productive and harmonious multicultural society. FECCA welcomes the opportunity to participate in the budget process,’ continued Mr Caputo.

FECCA has submitted a comprehensive list of proposals regarding Government funding priorities in 2017-18. These include the following recommendations:

Provide appropriate resources to the SBS to support its distinctive and unique role

1. Support CALD young people find a pathway to work
2. Continue to bridge gaps in equity and access to Government services
3. Continue to promote the policy of Multiculturalism
4. Prioritise actions focusing on migrant women in the Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children
5. Establish a dedicated grants fund to support the implementation of the National Diversity Framework for Ageing and Aged Care
6. Ensure sufficient funding to multicultural sector organisations to empower and strengthen the capacity of CALD communities to participate in the NDIS
7. Provide targeted funding for a national multicultural mental health structure that would ensure mental health reforms achieve positive outcomes for CALD individuals and communities; and
8. Fund a one year program of an interpreter training and accreditation model to increase the supply of trained and credentialed interpreters in new and emerging community languages.

FECCA is the national peak body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.

Media contact: (0424) 910617 / emma@mediafb85f8131c.wpcomstaging.com

Following the decision to take down the Australia Day sign featuring two young girls wearing hijabs, the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia welcomes the news that the billboard will be restored – and displayed in other capital cities.

FECCA’s Chairperson, Joe Caputo said, ‘Australia Day is about Australians of all backgrounds, ethnicities and religions coming together to unite and celebrate our shared Australian home.’

‘The tremendous community response that resulted in raising funds to reinstate the sign is a wonderful example of how we can unite and celebrate Australia’s diversity’

Australia Day aims to inspire national pride and spirit to enrich the life of the nation.

‘Australia’s harmonious and vibrant multicultural society should be a source of tremendous national pride,’ said Mr Caputo. ‘Migration to Australian has enriched the lives of all Australians, as well as our economy and society. Migration is part of Australia’s history, identity and culture.’

FECCA commends the National Australia Day Council for its work to ensure that Australia Day is inclusive and embraces all Australians, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

‘For many Australians of migrant background, Australia Day holds special meaning, marking the anniversary of becoming an Australian citizen,’ said Mr Caputo.

‘However, we also recognise the views of those Indigenous Australians for whom Australia Day is a reminder of the historical and contemporary injustices faced by many in their community,’ Mr Caputo said.

FECCA is the national peak body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. FECCA’s role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.

Media contact: (0424) 910617 / emma@mediafb85f8131c.wpcomstaging.com