The Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) welcomes the Multicultural Framework Review report - Settlement Council of Australia

The Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) welcomes the Multicultural Framework Review report which provides an incisive analysis on the state of Australian multiculturalism and charts a path forward for all Australians to get behind.  

The Council is calling for bipartisan investment and support over the coming years for what has been described as a generational reform agenda.

SCOA CEO, Ms Sandra Elhelw, said “Australia is at a critical juncture in its multicultural story. Our best chance of navigating this juncture is to heed the recommendations made by the independent panel.”

The Review presents a set of 29 recommendations and calls for 10 of these to be actioned immediately. The Council supports urgent action on these 10 recommendations.

In particular, the Council urged the swift establishment of a Multicultural Affairs Commission and Commissioner, and standalone Department of Multicultural Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, with a dedicated minister.

Ms Elhelw said “We cannot take our cohesive society for granted. In a climate that is increasingly divisive, we cannot afford to delay investing in our capacity to lead us through tensions towards a successful, fair Australia for all. We all have an interest in government investing in this infrastructure urgently.”

The report is based on an impressive evidence-base, with the Review Panel having consulted with more than 1430 individuals and 750 organisations. There were 796 submissions received, with almost a sixth of these in languages other than English.

SCOA Chair, Ms Melissa Monteiro, said “The conscientiousness exercised in ensuring an inclusive and broad consultation process resulted in a report that truly reflects the concerns and aspirations of the communities we work with on a day-to-day basis.”

The report emphasised that everyone has a role in embracing the essence of the report and the principles of multiculturalism. As the peak body for migrant and refugee services, the Council will be taking actions within its remit that support bringing the report to life.  

Ms Monteiro said “We look forward to continuing to work with the government to realise Australia’s full potential as a nation made up of many cultures, faiths and lived experiences.”

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ENDS

The 10 high priority immediately actionable recommendations include:

1. Australian Government to affirm commitment to multicultural Australia.
2. Australia to formally observe the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March.
3. Develop a national plan to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity, to synchronise existing federal, state, territory and local government initiatives such as Harmony Week to acknowledge and celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity.
4. Establish a Multicultural Affairs Commission and Commissioner, and standalone Department of Multicultural Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, with a dedicated minister.
5. The Department of Home Affairs, through government and non-government consultation to action an immediate review of the Australian citizenship test procedures, including considering providing the test in languages other than English and in alternative and more accessible formats.
6. Leverage Australia’s diversity of languages to support our economic prosperity through a revitalised language policy led by the Australian Government.
7. Ensure the sustainability and quality of language services (interpreting and translating).
8. Establish a fully funded TIS National capacity within the existing business unit.
9. Boost National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) funding.
10. Improve efficiency and effectiveness of multicultural grants and funding programs, with consultation and co-design of guidelines and common standards across the Australian Government, state and territory and local governments and community sector.

​The Multicultural Framework Review report and the Government Response can be accessed at the following link: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/multicultural-framework-review

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For media enquiries or to arrange an interview, contact Humaira Mehboob at humaira.mehboob@scoa.org.au or on (02) 6282 8515.

About The Settlement Council of Australia

The Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) is the peak body representing migrant and refugee services, with approximately 130 member organisations nationally. We are committed to building an Australia where all people of migrant and refugee backgrounds belong, thrive and experience fulfilling lives.