FECCA has welcomed and strongly endorsed the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) announcement that it plans to develop a National Anti-Racism Framework, and has encouraged all levels of Government to support the process.
Australia's Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan launched the plan today and will soon commence a series of roundtables with peak organisations to progress the plan.
FECCA has been calling for a national anti-racism strategy and campaign in the wake of consistent community reports of racism. The Christchurch tragedy and the increased incidents of racial abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted that it is urgent for Australia to genuinely address racism.
FECCA also welcomes Minister for Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke's support of the plan and his announcement that the Government will develop a new Social Cohesion Strategy, something FECCA has discussed with the Minister in the past.
FECCA Chairperson Mary Patetsos said a National Anti-Racism Framework was essential as part of a broader social cohesion strategy for Australia.
"The Christchurch tragedy and the COVID-19 pandemic have shone a light on racism in Australia and its consequences," Ms Patetsos said.
"The time is right to take this issue seriously and take genuine, effective steps towards improving social cohesion, in partnership with the community.
"We welcome the Federal Government's support of the plan and encourage them to consider creating a community advisory group made up of prominent representatives of CALD and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, so that they can advise on the development of the National Anti-Racism Framework and Social Cohesion Strategy.
"As a country that prides itself on multiculturalism, we cannot ignore that persistent incidents of racial abuse and structural racism have a devastating impact on people's sense of belonging and their ability to fully and equally participate in Australian society.
"We look forward to working with and supporting the AHRC and the Federal Government in the development of the Framework to ensure it meets the needs of both recent and established multicultural Australians of all ages, genders, and ethnicities."
FECCA is the national peak body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Our role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of our constituency to government, business and the broader community.
