Review into an appropriate cost model for Commonwealth anti-discrimination laws submission
The FECCA promotes the critical need for accessible and fair mechanisms under Commonwealth anti-discrimination laws to address the unique challenges faced by migrant and multicultural communities. These groups often encounter intersecting forms of discrimination compounded by language barriers, financial constraints, and cultural factors that make asserting rights particularly difficult. FECCA supports proposed cost models that reduce financial burdens on complainants, but it stresses the need for comprehensive measures such as increased funding for community legal centres, culturally informed legal services, and educational campaigns. The organisation advocates for proactive steps to ensure complainants can access justice without fear of prohibitive costs or visa-related retaliation.
Key recommendations from FECCA include bolstering community legal centres with resources to support migrant workers, improving accessibility of legal services through interpreters and community-based outreach, and addressing language barriers by providing information and training in multiple languages. The organisation also highlights the importance of targeted education campaigns to raise awareness about anti-discrimination laws and procedures in culturally safe and effective ways. These measures aim to promote equity and justice, ensuring that vulnerable communities have the necessary tools to address discrimination and foster a fairer society.
