The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) said today that a move by the Fair Work Ombudsman to allow access to 40 languages other than English on its website was a major step forward in access and equity for migrants.
Visitors to www.fairwork.gov.au can now instantly translate website content, including fact sheets, information guides and templates, with just the click of a button.
The Chairperson of FECCA, Ms Mary Patetsos, said: “We congratulate Fair Work on this initiative. This new real-time translation service will make it easier for people of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background to seek assistance on workplace issues.”
“Migrant workers are some of the most vulnerable members of the Australian workforce.”
“Many of them are underpaid and exploited even though they fill key positions in the workforce,” she said.
Ms Patetsos said that workers of CALD background were crucial to Australia’s economy and society. They care for the nation’s elderly and disabled, support the agricultural sector and work to grow Australia’s IT and high tech companies.
“While the onus is on employers to do the right thing and carry out their obligations on pay and conditions, this Fair Work initiative gives workers of CALD background the tools they need to seek the rights and protections of Australian workplace law.”
“This website facility will help overcome the language barriers which so often contribute to their vulnerability,” Ms Patetsos said.
FECCA is the national peak body representing Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and their organisations. FECCA provides advocacy, develops policy and promotes issues on behalf of its constituency to Government and the broader community.
Contact: 0403 044 216 / emma@fecca.org.au