FECCA, in partnership with former Tasmanian Premier and Chair of the Australian Multicultural Council (AMC) the Hon Peter Gutwein GAICD, will convene Australia’s industry peak bodies to examine what proposed migration cuts would mean for the nation.
Workforce shortages in one sector rarely stay there. Fewer construction workers slow the supply of homes. Gaps in aged care and health put pressure on families and hospitals. Labour shortages on farms flow through to regional economies and supply chains. The initiative will set out these connections, and the consequences of cuts, grounded in evidence from employers and the communities most affected.
This follows FECCA’s 2026 national conference in October, which brought together leaders from business, government, civil society and the multicultural sector. It builds on FECCA’s independently commissioned survey of 500 business leaders, presented at the conference, which found 87 per cent recognised multiculturalism’s positive contribution to Australia’s economy over the past 50 years.
“Migration is not a question for one industry. It is a question of how Australia plans for sustainable and sensible growth,” FECCA Chair Peter Doukas OAM said.
“Australians deserve to know who will build the homes, care for older Australians and fill the jobs our communities need. A debate about migration numbers must never become a debate about who belongs.”
AMC Chair The Hon Peter Gutwein said migration policy must reflect Australia’s economic and community needs.
“Slashing migration without understanding the consequences for our workforce and essential services would be an act of economic self-harm.
“Business chambers, health, aged care, agriculture and construction each see part of the picture. This initiative brings those perspectives together so that decisions about Australia’s future are made with the whole picture in view,” Mr Gutwein said.
FECCA is engaging with peak bodies representing construction, aged care, health, hospitality, technology and agriculture, among other sectors.
FECCA CEO Prerana Mehta said Australians concerned about housing and jobs deserved serious answers.
“We are moving from national debate to practical action. Working alongside industry and communities, we will develop evidence-based solutions that connect migration policy to the workers, homes and services every part of Australia relies on.”
FECCA invites industry peaks, businesses and multicultural communities to join the initiative, contribute evidence and share their experiences to ensure that Australia has a sensible and compassionate migration policy.
Media contact:
Carlo Krikowa
carlo@fecca.org.au
+ 61 467 429 763
Mia Ferreira
media@fecca.org.au
+61 411 053 369
Join the initiative
FECCA invites industry peaks, businesses and multicultural communities to join the initiative, contribute evidence and share their experiences to help shape practical recommendations to government.
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