Media Releases

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has called on all political parties to preference One Nation last in the upcoming Federal Election, ahead of pre-polling voting opening on Monday.

FECCA Chair Ms Mary Patetsos said there are still a number of parties that are yet to clarify how they will preference One Nation on their how to vote cards.

“Frankly, anything less than last lets down multicultural Australia,” she said.

“Hate speech in our parliament is very dangerous and makes Australia a less safe place for its citizens.

“The shootings in Christchurch are a tragic reminder of the consequences of racist ideology.

“Pauline Hanson has described Islam as a disease that needs to be vaccinated, and it’s One Nation that is responsible for having Fraser Anning elected to the Senate.

“One Nation’s objective is to divide Australia, when our political institutions should be working to bring Australians from all backgrounds closer together.

“That is why we are calling on all political parties to do the responsible thing and preference One Nation and Fraser Anning last.”

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.

Contact: 0434 307 012 / media@fecca.org.au

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement today that it will provide $290,000 in funding to FECCA so it can continue to represent and advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older Australians in the aged care sector.

FECCA Chairperson Ms Mary Patetsos said the funding was critical in helping overcome the barriers older CALD Australians face in accessing aged care services.

“About one in three Australians over 65 were born in a non-English speaking country, and many of these people face challenges in accessing aged care services,” she said.

“Those challenges include awareness of available services, language and cultural barriers and issues with accessing technology.

“It’s also important for many older Australians from CALD backgrounds to be cared for by someone who understands their cultural background.

“This funding will help FECCA continue its work in advocating for older people from diverse backgrounds so that all Australians can exercise their right to quality aged care.”

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.

Contact: 0434 307 012 / mohammad@fecca.org.au

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) welcomes Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement on the formation of a three-year royal commission into the abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability.

FECCA Chairperson Ms Mary Patetsos said the National Ethnic Disability Alliance has done a great job as the peak body representing people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

“It’s important that the voices of people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are heard through this process, and FECCA commends the National Ethnic Disability Alliance for their advocacy in this area,” she said.

“We know that the challenges people with disability face in accessing care and support services, and government services generally, are compounded for those who have language or cultural barriers as well.

“It will be important for the terms of reference of the royal commission to make specific reference to these added challenges faced by CALD Australians and for the commissioners to explore ways to help CALD Australians with disabilities gain better access services.

“FECCA is committed to working with the National Ethnic Disability Alliance to raise awareness of the royal commission among our members and encourage our communities to make submissions and participate in hearings.”

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.

Contact: 0434 307 012 / mohammad@fecca.org.au

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) today announced the appointment of Mr. Mohammad Al-Khafaji as the new Chief Executive Officer of the organisation.

Mr. Al-Khafaji has served FECCA in various roles since October 2015. He served on the FECCA executive first as the Youth Chairperson, then as Honorary Secretary, before joining the FECCA secretariat as the Director of Strategy and Engagement. He has served as Acting CEO of FECCA since November 2018.

FECCA Chairperson Ms. Mary Patetsos congratulated Mr Al-Khafaji on his appointment as CEO.

“Mohammad has a proven track record as a successful emerging executive.

Prior to joining FECCA, Mohammad was the inaugural CEO of Welcome to Australia.

“Fluent in three languages, Mohammad’s personal experiences as a former refugee from Iraq and as a migrant also mean he can uniquely relate to so many Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

“In addition to his experience working with numerous multicultural groups and on many community boards, Mohammad has a Bachelor of Software Engineering and worked for several years in the corporate sector.

“Mohammad has also serves on the SBS Community Advisory Committee and the Advertising Standards Bureau community panel, and was a finalist in the SA Young Australian of the Year awards 2018.

“Mohammad was invited to participate in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in the US, and recently spoke at the Global Dialogues conference on migration in Buenos Aires at the invitation of the Argentinian Government.”

Mr Al-Khafaji said he was excited to be taking on the role of CEO at FECCA at such a critical time for CALD Australians.

“This is a very challenging time for Australians from diverse backgrounds, as we all work together to ensure that Australian values of a just and fair society prevail,” he said.

“The best thing we can do is to ensure that all Australians, regardless of where they come from, are able to contribute fully to Australia, to live productive and fulfilled lives and to reap the rewards of their hard work. I look forward to achieving that goal in my role as FECCA CEO.”

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.

Contact: 0434 307 012 / mohammad@fecca.org.au