In response to today’s announcement on proposed changes to Australian Citizenship laws FECCA calls on all political leaders to exercise caution and ensure that any changes to the citizenship process are based on robust empirical evidence and not political considerations.

Mr Joe Caputo, Chair of FECCA said: “Australia is a country of immigration. Migration is central to Australia’s continuing economic, intellectual and social growth and achievement.”

“Migration brings new skills, knowledge and experience to Australia and by contributing to the diversity of our communities migrants help to build a productive and culturally rich Australian society,” he said.

FECCA recognises the importance of citizenship policy to achieving and maintaining social cohesion in the Australian community.

“For migrants to Australia, the granting of Australian citizenship is symbolic of acceptance into the Australian community. It is cherished by all in Australia’s migrant communities,” said Mr Caputo.

Mr Caputo reiterated FECCA’s position on citizenship. “FECCA has always advocated for a pathway to citizenship that emphasises civics and citizenship education.”

“The journey to Australian citizenship should be positive, welcoming and encouraging. This will ensure that migrants are empowered to make the most of the opportunities presented by becoming an Australian citizen and to maximise their social and economic contribution,” he said.

Mr Caputo emphasised: “Australia’s values, both civic and cultural values, are built on the shared understandings of generations of migrants. The migration experience forms the bedrock of this nation’s thriving and productive multicultural society.”

“FECCA also acknowledges the centrality of Australia’s First Peoples in defining Australian culture and values,” he said.

FECCA is concerned about any changes to the citizenship process that might unfairly target some of Australia’s most vulnerable arrivals, such as refugees, through punitive tests rather than education and support.

FECCA also opposes the extension of the time period required between the granting of permanent residency and the opportunity to apply for citizenship.

“This threatens social cohesion, placing additional pressures on migrants and delaying their access to the tools and resources that will foster their full participation in the Australian community,” said Mr Caputo.

FECCA is the peak national 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) calls on the Government to ensure that migrant workers coming to Australia under the new temporary visa scheme will be protected from exploitation and abuse.

FECCA Chairperson, Mr Joe Caputo said: “Workers from overseas fill key positions in rural and regional areas as well as in Australia’s major centres where local employees cannot be recruited.”

“They are critical to Australia’s economy and society: caring for our elderly and disabled, supporting our nation’s agricultural sector and growing Australia’s IT and high-tech companies,” he said.

Mr Caputo continued: “Temporary visa holders are some of the most vulnerable workers in Australia and are too often victims of workplace abuse. The Government must ensure that the new categories of temporary work visas provide proper protections to migrant workers.”

The peak body representing ethnic communities said key to safeguarding the welfare of migrants is encouraging the broader community to recognise the contribution of migrant workers to Australia’s economy and society.

Mr Caputo said: “While public discussion on immigration is important, debate must take place within the bounds of respectful discourse. Language implying that foreign workers are taking “Australian” jobs is unhelpful. I caution against inflammatory statements that may divide Australia’s multicultural community.”

Mr Caputo added: “Australia has a proud history of temporary and permanent immigration. We must defend Australia’s harmonious and vibrant multicultural society that has contributed to Australia’s economic, intellectual and cultural success.”

FECCA is the peak national 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