Media Releases

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) welcomes The Scanlon Foundation’s 2021 Mapping Social Cohesion Report. Once again, this report is a valuable contribution in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of modern, multicultural Australia.

“FECCA is pleased to see that most Australians continue to support multiculturalism and understand that racism is a problem. This confirms FECCA’s belief that persistent incidents of racial abuse as well as systemic racism are a threat to our multicultural success story,” said FECCA Chairperson Mary Patetsos.

“The 2021 Mapping Social Cohesion Report shows an extraordinary 20 per cent increase in people who believe that racism is a problem in Australia – from 40 to 60 per cent. This demonstrates the urgent need for a well-funded national anti-racism strategy,” said Ms Patetsos.

“FECCA once again urges the Government to fully commit to delivering a national anti-racism strategy that is developed in partnership with multicultural and First Nations communities,” said Ms Patetsos.

The 2021 Mapping Social Cohesion Report is produced by The Scanlon Foundation and based on the results of surveys conducted annually across Australia. In its fifteenth year, this research series measures results against the five core pillars of social cohesion: belonging, worth, social justice, participation and acceptance and rejection.

FECCA is Australia’s peak multicultural organisation representing and advocating on behalf of Australia’s multicultural communities.

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The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) welcomes the establishment of the Aged Care Advisory Council (ACAC) and the Council of Elders, following a recommendation by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

FECCA Chairperson, Ms Mary Patetsos, along with 16 other prominent leaders in the aged care sector, were today appointed to the National Aged Care Advisory Council.

The Council has a three-year mandate to provide expert advice on the ongoing reform in the aged care sector that will benefit older Australians, their families, and carers.

FECCA is pleased that culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities are represented on this panel of advisors with the inclusion of Ms Patetsos.

“A third of Australia’s ageing population is from CALD backgrounds. A growing proportion of the aged care workforce also come from these communities. We have a huge stake as the sector goes through significant reform,” Ms Patetsos said.

Ms Patetsos brings to the advisory group her rare blend of academic qualifications and expertise in aged care and multiculturalism, and commitment to equity and social justice for CALD communities, migrants, and refugees.

“We warmly congratulate Ms Patetsos knowing she will advocate for inclusive and culturally responsible aged care services for all Australians.” said FECCA CEO Mohammad Al-Khafaji.

FECCA acknowledges the Government for carefully considering the make up of the council and for ensuring diversity on this high level and important body. We thank Minister Hunt and Minister Colbeck for consulting and working in partnership with the sector on aged care reform.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Government to ensure multicultural communities remain active partners in aged care reform,” said Mr Al-Khafaji.

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) is Australia’s peak multicultural organisation representing and advocating on behalf of Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

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Australia has tried and proven electoral laws.

FECCA once again calls on the Government to abandon the Voter ID bill which will create additional barriers for multicultural and vulnerable communities voting at federal elections.

The unintended consequences of the proposed changes will be to affect access, fairness, equity and participation in the democratic process.

“The Government must consult multicultural communities on the proposed Voter ID bill to fully understand the barriers and disincentives that this will impose on our communities,” said FECCA Chairperson Mary Patetsos.

“Any changes to electoral laws cannot be rushed and must involve proper consideration, proper community consultation and subsequent education campaigns with enough time to reach all Australians,” said Ms Patetsos.

FECCA is concerned about the lack of consultation and the rushed nature of this bill which aims to fix a “vanishingly small” problem, as described by the Australian Electoral Commission. Without due process, the proposed laws will disenfranchise and penalise multicultural and vulnerable communities.

“We urge Parliament to reject the proposed bill, listen to all affected communities, and work with us to improve participation of ALL Australians at elections to strengthen our democracy,” said Ms Patetsos.

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For media inquiries contact: 0401 125 370 or media@fecca.org.au