Media Releases
Add your comments to Support Multiculturalism (12 August 10)
Please take 2 minutes of your time NOW and make a quick comment in support of migrant communities by clicking the link below for Pino Migliorino’s article in The Punch. We are concerned that there are not enough voices in support of diversity, so we need your comments to be heard. The punch is an online daily, therefore make your comment count by doing it TODAY. We need more multicultural voices to be heard in this election debate!
Ethnic communities warn that anti-boat people rhetoric will feed racism (9 August 10)
1 in 4 Australians experience some form of racism (The Australian Multicultural Advisory Council “The People of Australia” April 2010).
“One size” does not fit all Australian aged people. (3 August, 2010)
Nearly one in four aged people in Australia are being ignored by both political parties. By 2011, 23% *of Australia’s aged will be from migrant communities and current policies from both political parties mean this group cannot access aged care services.
Political parties ignore migrants in health agendas (3 Aug 2010)
An alliance of the nation’s leading multicultural services says that recent health announcements by both the ALP and the Liberal Party have simply ignored multicultural Australia.
NGO's statement on asylum and regional processing: Australia cannot act alone on asylum boats (2 August 2010)
Twenty-one major Australian refugee support organisations and aid agencies have today joined forces to call on the Australian Government and Opposition to focus on international cooperation on refugee protection, warning that there is no quick fix to the complex causes of asylum seeker movements.
The scapegoating of multicultural Australians is both unacceptable and ridiculous (31 July, 2010)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA) is fed up with the scapegoating of multi-cultural Australians and is calling on both political parties to stop their fear mongering campaigns.
Coalition Cuts to Family Reunion: A Recipe for Disaster (26 July 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has spoken out strongly against the Coalition’s plan to cut the family reunion component of Australia’s migration program.
Gillard’s Attempt to Tone Down the Asylum Seeker Debate Welcome (6 July 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities‟ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has welcomed Prime Minister Julia Gillard‟s attempt to tone down the unwarranted political frenzy which has surrounded asylum seekers in recent weeks.
FECCA Welcomes the Appointment of Our First Female Prime Minister (25 June 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) congratulates the Hon Julia Gillard MP on becoming the first woman to be appointed Prime Minister of Australia.
Refugees – Australia’s Dividend (21 June 10)
This Refugee Week (20-26 June) the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) is thanking refugees for the huge contribution they make to Australia. “Refugees are Australia’s dividend,” said FECCA Chair Pino Migliorino. “To invest in refugee settlement, refugee health and welfare, is to invest in Australia’s future.
Revived Injustice - 'New' Coalition Immigration Policy an Unwelcome Blast from the Past (27 May 10).
The Federation of Ethnic Communities‟ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has expressed dismay at the Coalition‟s new border security policy. The policy outlines the Coalition's plan to increasingly focus on offshore processing of asylum seekers, to reintroduce Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs) and to reintroduce the 45-day rule for lodging asylum claims.
Queensland Health issues HIV alert (25 May 10)
Queensland Health is concerned a number of women who may have had unprotected sex with a HIV-positive man since 1997 may have been placed at risk of contracting HIV.
2010/11 Budget - A Mixed Bag (12 May 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) is calling the 2010/11 federal budget, released last night (11 May), a "mixed bag"– promising in some parts, disappointing in others.
AMAC Statement on Cultural Diversity: A Big Step Forward (5 May 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has embraced the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council’s (AMAC) cultural diversity statement and recommendations to government.
FECCA Media Release: 'Failure to Support New Human Rights Charter Disappointing' (22 Apr 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) is disappointed with omissions and narrow focus in the federal government’s new human rights framework, as announced on 21 April 2010.
Auction on toughness on asylum seekers, it must be an election! (13 Apr 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia’s (FECCA) Chair, Mr Pino Migliorino expressed serious concerns about the Rudd government’s decision, last Friday, to suspend the processing of asylum seekers from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
FECCA Welcomes Rudd Government announcement of new Population Ministry (6 Apr 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia welcomes the Rudd Government’s announcement over the weekend of a new ministry for Population. “FECCA welcomes the appointment of the Honourable Tony Burke MP to the new population portfolio, “ said FECCA Chair Mr Pino Migliorino. FECCA has been calling for a national population policy and is very much in favour of the government giving this higher priority. It points to a willingness to develop sound policy which reflects Australia’s needs and it’s human rights obligations”.
FECCA: 'Let's Put an End to Discrimination and Racism this Harmony Day' (19 March 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) has called on all Australians to denounce all forms of racial discrimination and hatred this Harmony Day.
FECCA - Have your say on Commonwealth Government Services (16 March 10)
Online survey now available. Have you, your family or people you know needed help in areas like health, housing, employment, learning English, and interpreting services? We want to hear about how well government agencies work with people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Funding Announced for New National Immigrant and Refugee Women's Alliance (16 March 10)
The Network of Immigrant and Refugee Women of Australia (NIRWA) and the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) are delighted to announce that they have been successful in their bid for funding for the Australian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Alliance (AIRWA).
FECCA Welcomes Multicultural Focus in Draft National Curriculum (11 Mar 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has welcomed the National Australian Curriculum History Draft Paper, released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) for community consultation earlier this month.
FECCA Calls Attention to Women's Rights at Work (8 Mar 10)
This International Women’s Day (8 March), the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) is calling attention to the potential ill effects of the award modernisation process on women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
FECCA Welcomes Reforms to Skilled Migration Program (18 Feb 10)
FECCA has welcomed the release of a discussion paper flagging reforms to the skilled migration program points test. Read more here.
FECCA Welcomes Skilled Migration Changes (8 Feb 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) today welcomed Federal Government moves to reform the skilled migration program.
Reclaim Australia Day for all Australians (25 Jan 10)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) today called on all Australians to reclaim Australia Day as a day for Australians of all backgrounds.
FECCA Welcomes Christmas and Calls for Greater Acceptance of Religious Diversity (22 Dec 09)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia today wished all Australians a Happy Christmas and New Year and called for a renewed acceptance of the role of Christmas and other religious festivities in Australia. "Ethnically and religiously diverse communities respect Christmas and recognise both its supremely important religious significance to Christians as well as the broader cultural role Christmas plays in the lives of many Australians," said Pino Migliorino, Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia.
Immigration Debate Needs Reality Check (11 Dec 09)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has called for a more realistic debate about Australia’ immigration levels following Kevin Andrews mischievous calls to drastically slash our migrant intake.
Peak body core grant increased (7 Dec 09)
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs, The Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk, has announced a significant increase in the core grant provided by the Bligh Government to the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland.
International Day of People with Disability (3 Dec 09)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils’ of Australia (FECCA) has called on all Australians to recognise and celebrate the huge contribution of disabled people on the 2009 International Day of People with Disability.
Media Called to Account for Inaccurate Reporting of African-Australians (1 Dec 09)
FECCA has welcomed the findings of the Australian Communications and Media Authority yesterday that Channels 7, 9 and 10 breached the commercial television industry code by presenting inaccurate material relating to Sudanese-Australians living in Melbourne’s south east in late 2007.
FECCA Supports White Ribbon Day (25 Nov 09)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has
come out in support of White Ribbon Day, which aims to end violence
against women.
FECCA Welcomes Apology to Forgotten Australians (16 Nov 09)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) today welcomed the Federal Government’s apology to the Forgotten Australians.
FECCA Opposes Opposition Policy on Temporary Protection (13 Nov 09)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Council of Australia opposes today's decision by the Federal Opposition to reinstate a temporary protection visa system.
Migrant Unemployment Hidden Story of New Job Figures (13 Nov 09)
“The slight rise in unemployment figure to 5.8% masks a disproportionate affect on unemployment for Australians from non English-speaking backgrounds in low skilled jobs”, said Pino Migliorino, Chair of FECCA
Pino Migliorino as new FECCA Chair (2 Nov 09)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has elected Pino Migliorino as its new Chair. This followed FECCA’s highly successful national conference in Shepparton, Victoria, last week which attracted around 500 delegates.
FECCA Calls for Humane Approach to Asylum Seekers. (23 October 09).
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has again joined calls for the
need to maintain a humane approach towards asylum seekers and refugees.
FECCA Calls for Human Rights Engagement and Dialogue (14 Oct 09)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) today called on Australia’s multicultural communities to get active in the human rights debate, as FECCA welcomed the recently released National Human Rights Consultation Report.
FECCA Calls For Greater Media Responsibility (9 Oct 09)
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) today called on the Australian media to display greater cultural sensitivity in its programming.
Brisbane’s Somali community voices positive messages (6 Oct 09)
Please see the attached media release issued by the chairperson of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland
Samoan Tsunami (1 Oct 09)
Please see the attached media release issued by the chairperson of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland
International travel and sex – maybe you won’t get sick of it but you may get sick from it. (18 Sept 09)
Mrs Zhihong Gu, manager of the sexual health project, recently spoke of the work she and her team do in conjunction with partner organisations to alert members of the travelling public to the risk of infections including HIV, viral hepatitis, syphilis or gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
Better targeted health services needed, says peak migrant body (7 Sept 09)
The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) says efforts to counter chronic disease in Queensland need to take into account the different cultural backgrounds amongst the community. ECCQ made the call in its submission to the State Parliament’s Social Development Committee inquiry into chronic disease.
Get to know your medicines calendar wins Multicultural ‘Best Resource’ Award (29 July 09)
The National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS), Federation of Ethnic Communities Council Australia (FECCA) and Co.As.It (Victoria) have been presented with a Multicultural Communication Award for the 2009 Italian Get to know your medicines calendar.
PEAK BODY APPLAUDS NEW MINISTER FOR QUICK RESPONSE TO REGIONAL NEED
The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) has applauded new Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ms Annastacia Palaszczuk, for her quick response in ensuring continued funding for Bundaberg's culturally diverse communities.
FECCA Recognises Valuable Contribution of Refugees (19 June 09)
With World Refugee Day celebrated tomorrow, the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has acknowledged the extraordinary contribution that people from refugee backgrounds make to Australia.
Jerzy Zubrzycki (1920-2009) (21 May 09) 
[pdf]
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) today honoured and paid tribute to an Australian champion of multiculturalism, Professor Jerzy Zubrzycki AO, who passed away yesterday.
Report Highlights Importance of Ensuring Access to Interpreter Services (2 Dec 08) [pdf]
A report released today shows the serious difficulties many Queenslanders face when they do not have the opportunity to access interpreters while obtaining health treatments or other social services.
Peak Body Defends the Importance of Migration (28 Nov 08) [pdf]
The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) has urged the Queensland government to quickly support the request from the federal Immigration Minister to allow the health requirement to be waived for some visa applications
Newly Elected Chairperson of Ethnic Communities' Peak Body Defends the Importance of Migration (7 Nov 08) [pdf]
A new chairperson has been elected for the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland. Ms Agnes Whiten was recently elected as the new Chairperson of ECCQ, following a long history contributing to a wide range of community organisations since migrating to Queensland from the Philippines in the 1970s.
Towards Q2 Blueprint needs to recognise role of migration and cultural diversity (20 Sept 08) [pdf]
ECCQ has welcomed the release of the Queensland government’s ‘Towards Q2’ blueprint, but says it does not adequately recognise the essential role migration and multiculturalism must play in enabling government’s targets to be reached. Andrew Bartlett takes up Senior Policy & Advocacy Advisor role at ECCQ (11 Jul 08) [pdf]
Former Australian Democrats member of the Senate, Andrew Bartlett, takes up a senior position with ECCQ, Queensland’s peak body for the multicultural sector on Monday 14 July.
African refugee settlement (5 Oct 07) [pdf]
The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland has called on Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews to withdraw his divisive, racist and inaccurate comments on African and Sudanese refugees.
ANZAC DAY (23 Apr 07) [pdf]
Anzac Day is a day which unites us all, Australians of every background, not in glorifying war but in thoughtful remembrance of sacrifice, in praying for the safe return of those Australians now serving their nation in military operations overseas and in committing ourselves to ensure that future generations of young men and women may know and value peace and freedom.
Letters to the Editor (15 Apr 07) [pdf]
The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland is, like all Queenslanders, deeply concerned over the revelations by The Courier-Mail of failures in our health system in Bundaberg Hospital and the allegations surrounding the competence of Dr Jayant Patel.
Funding Extended for HIV, Hepatitis C & Sexual Health Services (28 Nov 06) [pdf]
Community based and non-government HIV, Hepatitis C and sexual health organisations have welcomed the decision by Queensland Health to extend their funding for two years, until June 2009.
Seniors Week 2006 (11 Aug 06) [pdf]
As a celebration of Seniors Week 2006 the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, in partnership with the Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs, will host its 13th Queensland Seniors Week Citizenship Ceremony on Friday, 25 August at the Colossus Reception Lounge in West End.
Playing into the hands of terrorists? (25 Jul 05) [pdf]
The national debate on terrorism risks becoming divisive and playing into the hands of terrorists who wish for nothing more than to create hatred, Queensland’s peak multicultural body has warned.
Multicultural Summit draws warning from peak body (29 Apr 05) [pdf]
A two-day Multicultural Summit organised by the State Government has drawn a warning from the sector’s peak body that the government’s multicultural policies stand little chance of success without the full engagement of all State government departments.
Election forum for migrants (22 Sep 04) [pdf]
Refugees and migrants get to have their say about the October 9 elections at a pre-election forum at City Hall on Thursday this week.
Collective power to new ethnic groups (2 Jun 04) [pdf]
One of the most exciting initiatives in multiculturalism in Australia is now taking shape in Brisbane – the development of a collective for recently arrived and growing community groups from Africa, the Former Yugoslavia, the Middle East and the Pacific Islands.
Peak body commends Hardgrave decision (9 Mar 04) [pdf]
Increasing and improving migrants’ access to English tuition is a long overdue step but one which the Howard Government must be complimented on, according to Queensland’s peak ethnic advocacy group, the Ethnic Community Council of Queensland (ECCQ).
ECCQ commends Beattie Government support for multi-culturalism (30 Jan 04) [pdf]
Queensland’s peak body representing the ethnic community, The Ethnic Communities
Council of Queensland, (ECCQ) has commended the State Labor Government forincreasing its financial commitment to supporting multiculturalism in the State.
FECCA Media Releases
HIV CALD social group
