Comments on Draft Early Years Strategy 2023-2024
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) submitted feedback on the draft Early Years Strategy 2024–2034, emphasising the importance of addressing the unique needs of Australia’s multicultural communities. FECCA highlighted that systemic racism in early educatlion, both experienced by children and multicultural educators, significantly undermines trust and inclusivity. Recommendations include implementing anti-racism measures, such as unconscious bias training and robust complaint mechanisms, co-designed with impacted communities. FECCA also stressed the need for culturally safe work environments for multicultural educators, who represent a significant portion of the childcare workforce but face discrimination from both parents and colleagues.
FECCA advocates for a sector-wide language policy to celebrate and integrate Australia’s linguistic diversity as a core strength. Additionally, the organisation underscores the importance of comprehensive, disaggregated data collection to inform evidence-based policies tailored to multicultural communities. Current gaps in understanding and uncoordinated data on cultural and ethnic diversity impede the equitable allocation of resources and tracking progress. FECCA’s goal is to ensure that the Early Years Strategy fosters a fair, inclusive society where all children, irrespective of their background, can thrive.
