Commonwealth Government Covid-19 Response Inquiry
FECCA’s reflections on the Australian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Demonstrating systemic barriers such as delayed and inaccurate communication, lack of culturally appropriate materials, and higher mortality rates among overseas-born Australians. FECCA commends initiatives like the CALD COVID-19 Health Advisory Group and the Small Grants program, which supported community-driven vaccination campaigns and improved communication. However, it underscores the need for sustained improvements in data collection, culturally sensitive health system orientation, and mental health support tailored for CALD populations.
FECCA provides a series of recommendations to enhance future pandemic responses, including establishing a multicultural advisory mechanism within the Australian Centre for Disease Control, integrating CALD-specific data into public health strategies, and improving access to language support and in-language health hotlines. Emphasising building trust through community-centered approaches, co-designed communication efforts, and strengthening the capacity of CALD leaders and health providers to deliver culturally appropriate care. These measures aim to ensure an inclusive and equitable response to public health emergencies for Australia’s diverse population.
