MEDIA RELEASE   June 17, 2009

 

REFUGEES FROM BURMA SHARE THEIR STORIES OF ADVERSITY, STRENGTH AND HOPE

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) said he was both humbled and inspired by the courageous stories shared by refugees from Burma at a special evening forum to mark 2009 Refugee Week.

“As more and more Australians complain about having to cut back on luxuries because of the financial downturn, these remarkable accounts of resilience and resourcefulness give some timely perspective to our comparatively privileged lives,” Mr Afra said.

“Some of the tales we have heard of terror and hardship are truly breathtaking and can only stir the utmost admiration for those who refused to bow to adversity or succumb to despair.”

The public forum, headlined by a number of leaders from Burma’s ethnic communities, was organised as part of the Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) Emerge Festival to help inform Victorians about the real-life experiences of refugees from Burma, who form an increasing proportion of newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants to Australia.

“Nearly 4,000 refugees from Burma and Thailand have settled in Victoria since the year 2000,” Mr Afra stated.

“It is hoped that, through public events like this forum, we can foster greater cross-cultural education and a deeper understanding of the refugee experience as we help them to rebuild their lives in our multicultural society.”

Mr Saw A. Ganemy Kunoo, President of the Ethnic Nationalities Organisation Burma and North East India, was one of the speakers now residing in Victoria who spoke passionately about his former homeland and the challenges faced by their peoples over the past decades. 

In recalling the civil conflict that has devastated Burma for (60) years, Saw Ganemy added that “as recently as two weeks ago, over 2,000 Karen people had crossed into Thailand for fear of being caught up in the fighting or used as slave labour.”

Reverend Arohn Kuung, a leader of the Melbourne Chin community and former Victorian Refugee Recognition Record (VRRR) award recipient, described the many tribes, dialects, customs and cultures that comprise the Chin ethnic group.

Ms Thamaypaw Naysay of the Australian Karen Organisation then recounted the experiences of Karen refugees forced to flee from the repression and persecution of the ruling military junta.

Mr Afra paid tribute to all supporters, participants and not-for-profit organisations for their support of the event which coincided with the ‘Love Burma Love Freedom’ exhibition running at the fortyfivedownstairs gallery until 27 June 2009.

The MAV Emerge Festival commemorates the United Nations World Refugee Day on 20 June and celebrates Refugee Week in Australia.

 

MEDIA RELEASE   June 11, 2009

 

VICTORIAN MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER TO CONDEMN VIOLENCE

  

The member organisations of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) came together today to express their common outrage at the ongoing violence on the streets of Victoria’s capital.

 

At the meeting, ECCV Chairperson Mr Sam Afra said, “Victoria is a world leader as a multicultural, tolerant state and we want to keep it that way. There is no place for the violence directed at students and others that we’ve seen and heard about in recent weeks”.

 

“While we can all welcome the Brumby Government’s plans to amend the Sentencing Act, we have been calling upon the Victorian Police to do more to protect victims,” Mr Afra declared.

 

Mr Afra was referring to an announcement by Premier Brumby that the Victorian Government was considering amendments to the Sentencing Act which would require judges to take into account hatred for or prejudice against a particular group as an aggravating factor when sentencing.

 

“Any law reform, no matter how well intentioned, will only work if people believe the matter will be taken seriously by the Police,” Mr Afra continued.  “The first step in building that confidence is to acknowledge that issues such as race, religion, sexuality or disability may be a motivating factor in crime.”

 

Mr Afra said it was gratifying to hear Victoria’s Chief Commissioner of Police acknowledge on Tuesday that some of the attacks on Indian students were racist in nature and to announce a special operation to crack down on violent crime.

 

“Nevertheless, we still hold concerns that the policing response so far has been inadequate,” Mr Afra stressed, “and we call for greater resourcing of Victoria Police so they can do the job the community asks of them to arrest and put perpetrators before the courts”.

 

“We do not support those who think they can take the law into their own hands, we want the Police to be able to do their job properly”

 

Mr Afra added that “there needs to be a concerted effort by all authorities to ensure these abhorrent crimes don’t continue and other groups don’t become targets”.

 

“In the longer term, we strongly urge the whole community to send clear and consistent messages to combat crimes motivated by hatred and prejudice,” Mr Afra said.

 

“We encourage all Victorians to stand up and reaffirm that our tolerance and our multiculturalism are central to our way of life by participating in the Harmony Walk from Carlton Gardens at 12.30pm on Sunday 12 July.”

 

For further information, please contact 0421 124 112 or 0417 489 226

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE   June 3, 2009

 

BLINKERS OFF ABOUT “RACE” AS A DETERMINING FACTOR FOR PERPETRATORS AND VICTIMS OF CRIME

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) said that Australians would be glad to hear that the Victorian Government officially recognised race as a factor for perpetrators and victims of crime.

“Too many Australians have seemed in denial of the influence of race in crime and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Afra said, “which has clearly left innocent individuals and community groups endangered.”

 

On Tuesday, Premier John Brumby confirmed that he would be pushing through legislative changes to make crimes in Victoria more serious if the influence of factors such as the race, religion, gender or sexual orientation of the people involved could be proven beyond doubt.

 

Mr Afra welcomed this announcement that ethnic biases and racial prejudices were now being considered in the comparative severity and leniency of sentences.

 

“It is high time that the ethnic biases and racial discriminations of criminal offenders were made punishable by the full force of the law,” Mr Afra declared.

 

Mr Afra said the seriousness of the recent spate of attacks against members of the Indian community in Melbourne demanded the full attention of the best and broadest array of minds available.

 

“Obviously, we don’t want to overstate or sensationalise the negative elements in our society,” Mr Afra noted, “but nor do we want to deny or downplay them either.”

 

“Race relations in this country cannot continue to be flashpoint of selective outrage, drummed up in the public consciousness when it suits and glossed over when it doesn’t,” Mr Afra said.

 

“People’s lives are in danger, and immeasurable damage is being done to Victoria’s international reputation as a safe, friendly and supportive multicultural environment.”

 

In May, ECCV raised concerns that the response toward the attack on Indian Victorians seemed to ‘blame the victim,’ with Mr Afra calling for greater resourcing of police authorities or a review of legislation to assist in the capture and conviction of perpetrators and prevention of further incidents.

 

Mr Afra said it was discouraging to note that the general public seemed far readier to raise the spectre of ethnic-based crimes when the accused perpetrators were members of migrant communities.

 

“Believe me, the fear of victimisation being felt through our country’s Indian community as a result of this recent spate of assaults and robberies is very real,” Mr Afra said.

 

Mr Afra agreed that this was a troubling period for all right-minded Victorians, but said “the goal of broader social inclusion was not served by putting on the blinkers and pretending that racial intolerance doesn’t exist.”

 

For further information, please contact 0421 124 112 or 0417 489 226. 

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE   May 14, 2009

 

FEDERAL BUDGET BRINGS WELCOME BOOST IN FAMILY REUNION PLACES

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) credited the Rudd Government for a few key initiatives announced as part of the 2009-10 Federal Budget, which he described overall as “reflective of, and responsive to, difficult times.”

 

Mr Afra said the 7.5% increase to the family component of the Migration Program would be greatly appreciated by Victorians with parents, spouses, or children waiting to join them in this country.

 

“Anything that helps to alleviate the deep distress caused by the forced separation of families must be commended,” Mr Afra said.

 

Mr Afra also applauded the increase in places offered to entrants under the Humanitarian Program.

 

“The increases in both resettlement categories reaffirm Australia’s reputation as a compassionate and responsible member of the international community,” Mr Afra said.

 

Mr Afra also commended the government on the increase to the “Women at Risk” quota from 10.5% to 12% of the refugee program

 

“This increase will help focus Australia’s resettlement program on those in greatest need” he added.

 

In the area of aged care, Mr Afra praised the decision to increase the single age pension rate.

 

“This will provide some valuable relief for pensioners from diverse cultural backgrounds adjusting to life after losing their partners,” Mr Afra explained.

 

Mr Afra voiced some wariness, however, about the impacts of proposed cuts to employment within the Immigration Department, as well as the lack of funding available to help public and community broadcasters make the transition to digital transmission.

 

“Broadcasters like television Channel 31 in Melbourne and community radio stations across the state serve as a vital avenue for ethnic groups to share information, advertise social networks, and strengthen a sense of belonging,” Mr Afra explained.  “It would be disastrous if these pivotal services simply disappear when the switch is made from analog to digital technology.”

 

MEDIA RELEASE   May 13, 2009

 

“SPATE CRIME” RESPONSE SHOULD TARGET PERPETRATORS BEFORE VICTIMS

  

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) expressed concern today that the responses of authorities toward a recent spate of attacks on Indian students around Melbourne seemed too heavily skewed toward changing the attitudes and behaviour of victims rather than the perpetrators.

 

“It’s a sad day for Victoria when police and fire officers feel compelled to travel to India to advise Melbourne-bound students on how to avoid being targeted for assault and robbery,” Mr Afra said.

 

“Aside from being at odds with the image of a safe, tolerant and accepting multicultural Victoria that we want to convey, there is an uncomfortable sense of ‘blame the victim’ being perpetuated here.”

 

“Affected communities are understandably wondering how much focus is going into addressing the mindset of offenders,” Mr Afra noted.

 

Mr Afra welcomed assurances that authorities were devoting considerable resources into the problem, but warned that the establishment of a new helpline for reporting crimes against Indian students would do little to calm community fears, especially frequent users of public transport.

 

“While any mechanism to promote the reporting of crime and anti-social behaviour is welcome, obviously greater comfort comes from knowing preventative action is being taken to stop these crimes before they occur, rather than afterwards.”

 

“Even if many of these deplorable crimes are considered opportunistic,” Mr Afra said.  “We should not forget that prejudice – whether racial, religious, age or gender-based – is pre-meditated.”

 

Mr Afra wondered if the spike in offences committed against members of the Indian community necessitated an urgent re-examination of current legislation regarding the investigation and prosecution of such incidents.

 

MEDIA RELEASE   May 6, 2009

 

BUDGET INCLUDES COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUNDING FOR REVAMPED REFUGEE PROGRAM

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) said that, at first glance, culturally diverse Victorians could be generally pleased with the Victorian government’s 2009-10 state budget, pending further details on the breakdown of funding allocations.

 

Mr Afra said he was heartened that funding will continue for the Refugee Action Program, formally the Refugee Brokerage Program, although finances will be sourced through the Community Support Fund rather than direct government appropriation.

 

As a result, the expected target government spending on multicultural affairs in 2009-10, will be over one million dollars less than the previous year.

 

“In this current financial climate, it is important that Victorians from ethnic backgrounds, who are among the most vulnerable members of the community, continue to be financially supported by the government,” Mr Afra said.

 

Highlights of the 2009-10 budget included $2 million allocated for the Boosting Our Multicultural Advantage program and $600,000 to educate non-English speakers about water safety.

 

Mr Afra was also particularly pleased with the $10.2 million earmarked for New Workforce Partnerships, which help disadvantaged Victorians to gain employment.

 

“Workers in the construction, manufacturing, retail and hospitality sectors tend to be from migrant backgrounds, so this initiative is particularly timely,” Mr Afra said. 

 

According to Mr Afra, the $24.7 million increase to Victorian Legal Aid was also very welcome, along with the $10.5 million set aside over two years for Court Integrated Service Program and $3 million for the new Youth Justice Mental Health initiative.

 

In the area of aged care, Mr Afra supported the $60.6 million allocated to aged care initiatives, including $3 million for not-for-profit government agencies to develop surplus government land into residential aged care facilities.

 

However, he added the proviso that ageing multicultural communities should not be overlooked as by 2011 they will constitute around 31% of the entire 65 and over population of Victoria.

 

“Victoria’s Italian, Greek and Vietnamese communities, for example, have a growing portion of ageing members who need culturally sensitive services close to their families,” Mr Afra said.

 

Mr Afra added that the benefits of the $1.7 billion investment in social housing must also be available to newly arrived communities and other disadvantaged Victorians from culturally diverse backgrounds.

 

MEDIA RELEASE   April 30, 2009

CONCERN CUTBACKS TO UNIVERSITY FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSES REFLECT A BROADER TREND

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) expressed concern today that extensive cutbacks to Victoria University’s foreign language program reflected a broader decline in the opportunity to study languages other than English (LOTE) in Victorian tertiary institutions.

“The announcement that Victoria University students will no longer be able to study Japanese, Chinese or Spanish on campus is deeply disappointing and already a source of alarm to current and prospective students,” Mr Afra said.

On Tuesday it was confirmed that from 2010 only one LOTE course will be on offer at Victoria University – Vietnamese, with arrangements made for Victoria University students of Chinese, Japanese or Spanish to continue their language studies at the University of Melbourne.

“While I appreciate that many tertiary institutions are struggling with increased competition for a shrinking pool of available finances, too often it is Humanities courses such as foreign languages and cross-cultural studies that suffer first and suffer hardest,” Mr Afra said

Mr Afra noted that Mandarin and Japanese were among the target languages identified by the Australian Government’s own National Asian Languages and Studies in Schools Program (NALSSP).

“As recently as December last year, the NALSSP was setting a 2020 timeline for one in eight Australian students exiting Year 12 with sufficient fluency in one of these languages to engage in trade and commerce in Asia and/or pursue further university study.”

“The obvious question arising from the cutbacks at Victoria University is: where will this expectant surge in bilingual Year 12 students go ?”

Mr Afra also expressed concern that shuttling Victoria University LOTE students across to the University of Melbourne was not a viable option in the long term.

“I understand that at the moment, second and third year Spanish students at the University of Melbourne already have to transfer across to La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus to complete their studies,” Mr Afra explained.

“So that means from 2010, a Victoria University student wishing to complete an Honours degree in Spanish can expect to hopscotch between three different Universities around Melbourne.  Clearly, this is not the most conducive system for living or learning.  Nor is it in keeping with the hard-earned image of Victoria as a prime destination for international activity and home to cultural diversity.”

Mr Afra said that if Universities needed to explore ways of pooling resources to deliver LOTE courses, then greater effort was needed to ensure the availability of an adequate number and variety of LOTE spaces to meet demand without causing undue inconvenience to students.

 

MEDIA RELEASE   April 29, 2009

 

SENIORS EXERCISE PROGRAM ENERGISING OUTER MELBOURNE

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), hailed the expansion of the Multicultural Multiactive Seniors (MMS) Project into Hampton Park as proof that grassroots multiculturalism is reaching outer Melbourne.

 

Mr Afra was speaking at a special mid-morning demonstration of the project at the Hampton Park Senior Citizens Club, which coincided with the launch of the Hampton Park Turkish Seniors’ Group, one of the latest participants in program.

 

Mr Afra said that the MMS program “fills an important gap in the health and fitness needs of our ethnic seniors because many miss out due to linguistic or cultural barriers.”

 

The MMS program offers seniors groups from non-English speaking backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the benefits of regular group exercise.

 

The project is run in partnership with the YMCA and supported by ‘Go For Your Life’ funding from the Victorian Office of Senior Victorians (OSV) in the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD).

 

This funding has also made the training of bilingual fitness instructors possible for the seniors groups and the launch is an opportunity for the trainers to celebrate their new qualifications.

 

Mr Afra said he was particularly pleased that the MMS program provided a platform for ethnic seniors from many sectors of outer Melbourne to come together.

 

Australian Turkish Association representative, Ms Fatma Faruk, said that seniors in the Turkish community have “changed their old habits and attitudes towards exercising and adopted a better and healthier lifestyle.”

 

For Cantonese and Mandarin speaking instructor, Ms Dorothy Yiu, the program has taught her “how we can help people from all walks of life to stay healthy and fit.”

 

Prominent guests in attendance included Judith Graley, MP for Narre Warren South, and Cr Lynette Keleher, representing the Mayor of the City of Casey.

 

The launch also featured a demonstration of the exercise program by the Turkish seniors’ exercise group.

 

Further information on the Multicultural Multiactive Seniors Project (MMS) project is available by contacting Kate Ling at ECCV on 9349 4122 or kling@eccv.org.au.

 

The first trimester groups are:

 

South East Arabic Seniors’ Club in Noble Park

Trung Vuong Vietnamese Women’s Group in Thomastown

‘Sol de Portugal’ Seniors’ Group in Reservoir

Greek Orthodox Seniors’ Club in Morwell

The Hampton Park Turkish Seniors’ Group

 

The second trimester groups will be:

 

Macedonian Seniors Group in Preston

Indian & Sri Lankan Seniors Group in St Albans

Italian, Greek & Chinese Seniors Groups in Kensington

Croatian Seniors Group in Footscray

Serbian Seniors Group in Rockbank

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE   April 2, 2009

CULTURAL COMPETENCE MUST REMAIN A PRIORITY FOR GOVERNMENT’S JOB SEARCH AGENTS

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) called upon the successful tenderers for the Federal Government’s revamped job network service to maintain the highest standards of cultural competency when dealing with people from diverse backgrounds.

 “Here in Victoria we have seen some progress in making job service agencies more aware of their obligations to job-seekers from newly arrived and non-English speaking communities,” Mr Afra said.  “We don’t want to see all that good work devalued or undone as this overhaul of employment services comes into effect.”

Mr Afra said that with new migrants and refugees already over-represented among unemployment statistics, it was crucial that job network providers were willing and able to serve the urgent needs of this socially vulnerable segment of the community.

 “For some providers, this may mean the appointment of multi-lingual staff with suitable experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds,” Mr Afra said.

The Federal Government’s new Job Services Australia comes into operation from July 1 this year, with one in four contractors not among the current crop of providers.

Mr Afra also noted a fall in the proportion of major contracts going to non-profit agencies.

 “With the Federal Government spending $4 billion on the redesign of its job services network, I trust they are spending this money prudently with an appropriate percentage allocated to ensure the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse Australians are accommodated,” Mr Afra said.

Mr Afra also expressed measured support for the changes introduced to the 457 visa program.

 “We definitely welcome the implementation of mechanisms that will align the wages of overseas workers with those of local workers performing the same job.”

The new market pay rates, to be implemented by mid-September, will see 457 visa workers paid an immigration specific wage of around $43,000, regardless of the sector they work in.

Mr Afra was more cautious about the lifting of minimum English language requirements

 “Setting a consistent standard of English for 457 visas and permanent sponsored visas for trades’ occupations is fairer for all migrants seeking a job in the current climate,” Mr Afra acknowledged.  “But the implementation of a higher standard does not remove the onus on employers to maintain a safe working environment, free from discrimination and exploitation, for all staff wherever they are from.”

Mr Afra said the ECCV would closely monitor both the new Government’s job service network and the changes to the 457 visa as the results became apparent.

MEDIA RELEASE   March 19, 2009

HARMONY DAY 2009 – THE MURAL OF THE STORY  

 

The thriving diversity of Victoria’s school-age population was on show in more ways than one today as inner Melbourne played host to a variety of activities for Harmony Day 2009.

 

Children from the Carlton Primary School and surrounding areas joined local residents, community leaders and media personalities for the colourful one day festival.

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) said the annual Harmony Day festival was “a testament to the strong social ties that bind the many culturally and linguistically diverse communities in and around the Carlton area.”

 

“Just a glance at all the ethnicities and faiths being represented here today and you get a wonderful snapshot of Victoria’s evolving and diversifying population in general,” Mr Afra said.

 

Mr Afra said it was this lively and colourful image of modern Victoria that inspired the Council to provide a giant canvas for children attending the festival to each present their own visions and ideas of cross-cultural harmony and diversity.

 

“Each child will have their own segment of the Harmony Day Mural in which to depict something of their own cultural background or what they like about life in multicultural Victoria,” Mr Afra explained.

 

The Children’s Harmony Day Mural was only one of a myriad of activities to keep children and adults occupied on the grassed open area of the Carlton Housing Estate.

 

“The premise of the mural is two-fold,” Mr Afra added.  “Firstly, it promotes the over-arching themes of cohesiveness and inclusion by bringing a multitude of stories under one giant banner.  Secondly, when finished, it will offer a more accurate reflection of Australia’s diverse population; a diversity that isn’t always depicted fairly or accurately in more mainstream forms of media and entertainment.”

 

Mr Afra pointed to television shows such as Neighbours and Packed To The Rafters as examples of public entertainment that still perpetuate an unnaturally narrow view of the culturally diverse Australian population.

 

“Often the first step to breaking down suspicion and mistrust is simple familiarity.  The famous refrain: ‘with a little understanding neighbours become good friends’ is very accurate – just dramatically underutilised by the mass media,” Mr Afra said.

 

“The success of the Carlton Harmony Day Festival shows what can be achieved when a greater diversity of neighbours are given that same opportunity,” Mr Afra said.

 

On a separate issue, Mr Afra echoed concerns about the reported suspension of the federal Racial Discrimination Act as part of the former Howard Government’s intervention into Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.

 

“On the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, it is appropriate for the Rudd Government to ensure the full protections of Australian law are active and available to all who may need them,” Mr Afra said.

 

MEDIA RELEASE   March 17, 2009

CULTURAL DIVERSITY: ‘THE ULTIMATE STIMULUS PACKAGE’

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) called the release of the Victorian Government’s new Multicultural Policy a “timely nod of support to the generations of migrants who have helped make the state the place it is today.”

 

“With the Australian Government set to reduce the number of skilled migrant visas allocated each year, it is crucial that the contributions of our migrant communities are not discounted or overlooked and their concerns sidelined or demonised,” Mr Afra said. 

 

Mr Afra said, “The release of this policy paper serves both as a reminder of the great migrant influence already established throughout Victorian life, as well as an affirmation that settlement, cultural diversity and integration issues will continue to receive the attention they deserve in the years to come.”

 

“With so much uncertainty in the current climate, people are naturally asking governments: ‘where to next ?’” Mr Afra noted. “So social policies have to go beyond grand aspirational statements to include practical initiatives that will improve the lives of everyday Victorians.”

 

“The next twelve months especially have to be about succinct, responsive and agenda-setting policies built around prudent spending and stringent planning,” Mr Afra added.

 

Mr Afra reiterated the call for greater financial support and resources for regional organisations that provide invaluable assistance in the settlement and integration of migrants and refugees into society.

 

Mr Afra said he was also pleased that the multi-faceted nature of human identity and cultural affiliation was being formally recognised.  “In this era of global technologies and transient lifestyles, we’re finding all new layers of diversity and commonality that have to be taken into account,” Mr Afra explained.

 

The new Multicultural Policy was formally unveiled by Victorian Premier and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Mr John Brumby, at a gala dinner to kick-start a week of events and activities celebrating Victoria’s vibrant mix of ethnic cultures and customs.”

 

Mr Afra said the busy schedule of events, exhibitions, workshops and theatrical performances throughout the state offered the perfect tonic to the gloomy news circulating about employment, the economy, and the environment.

 

“Without diminishing these serious issues, it is important that we allow ourselves a little fun and keep sight of what makes life in Australia so wonderful and invigorating,” Mr Afra said, encouraging Victorians of all ages and walks of life to be adventurous in trying something new.

 

“After all, it is the curiosity and courage to try something different that stokes the fire of innovation and improvement.  So by supporting cultural diversity we are creating the ultimate stimulus package.”

 

MEDIA RELEASE   February 20, 2009

MIGRATION REVIEW SHOULD BALANCE BROADER CAPACITY WITH LONG-TERM POTENTIAL

  

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) answered calls for a cut in skilled migrant numbers today with a reminder that a pragmatic approach toward migration balanced current capacity with future potential.

 

“Even if it is deemed in Australia’s interests to review the current intake of migrants under the skilled migrant category, and to initiate a temporary reduction, this does not mean that migrant levels across all categories should be arbitrarily cut,” Mr Afra declared.

 

“Migration is a much broader and longer-term proposition with many arriving on family reunion visas for example, and contributing greatly to the development of our nation.”

 

“In fact, countless academic studies suggest that a well-managed migration program can actually help kick-start an ailing economy and stimulate onward employment and innovation.  So we must remain mindful of the potential that sits over the horizon before jeopardising any opportunities that migration presents.”

 

Mr Afra was responding to reports that the Australian Government is considering a reduction to its skilled migrant quota in the next budget to help offset the additional 300,000 Australians expected to become unemployed by 2010.

 

“We must always be cautious about resorting to knee-jerk reactions whenever there is sudden shift in the economic climate.  These are human lives not luxury items that can be simply pared back between monthly pay checks,” Mr Afra added.

 

“Most of all, we don’t want to revive the old migrant bogeyman as the cause for a job shortage they did nothing to create.”

 

Mr Afra expressed similar concerns about comments issued in relation to an upsurge in robberies experienced by Victorians of Indian background.

 

“It is one thing to issue general precautions on how to avoid becoming an ‘easy target’ for criminals; something that travel guides and Government websites do every day,” Mr Afra said.  “But this advice should not be framed in a way that makes the victims feel somehow responsible because of their age, gender, physical or mental disability, ethnicity or religious affiliation.”

 

Mr Afra said that when times turned bad it was all too easy to find ways to attribute blame for misfortune, but he remained optimistic that better days lay ahead.

 

“While the immediate picture might be less than rosy, Australia has overcome great obstacles and hardships in our past.  And we will do so again as long as we stay true to the principles of selflessness and camaraderie that have made us the envy of so many around the world,” Mr Afra said.

 

For further information, please contact:  0421 124 112  or  0417 489 226.

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE   February 16, 2009

NEW REPORT WARNS ETHNIC BABY BOOMERS ARE ‘UNREADY, UNWILLING AND AGEING’  

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) called the release of a new aged care policy Discussion Paper a vital wake-up call to Ethnic Baby Boomers who have been avoiding the subject with their elderly parents.

 

The Paper, provocatively titled Unready, Unwilling and Ageing, explores the difficulties many adult children of migrants face when seeking aged care options suitable to their parents’ personal expectations and particular socio-cultural needs.

 

“The current financial crisis has prompted many Victorians to re-examine their retirement and aged care plans,” Mr Afra said, “and much has been made about Baby Boomers preparation for their own later years.  But few are talking about the preparation that is needed now for the parents of Baby Boomers.”

 

“It is a topic that can be particularly awkward between different generations of ethnic communities due to differing associations with ancestral cultures and linguistic backgrounds.”

 

Mr Afra said that a targeted campaign was needed to promote awareness among both ethnic Baby Boomers and their parents and better educate clients and aged care service providers about the expectations and options available.

 

“Many ethnic families and communities also need assistance to facilitate this kind of discussion,” Mr Afra noted, “especially when it comes to negotiating personal wishes with alternative options beyond the family circle.”

 

Mr Afra added that aged care facilities and support services themselves also need to bolster their levels of competence and sensitivity when handling culturally and linguistically diverse clients.

 

“The provision of qualified interpreters remains an utmost priority,” Mr Afra said.  “Findings indicate that elderly members of the ethnic communities respond better when the implications of highly sensitive issues like dementia are explained in their preferred language.”

 

Mr Afra said the observations made in the Discussion Paper emanated from a public forum held on The Ageing Mind in late 2008.

 

“Attendees were encouraged to share their impressions and experiences,” Mr Afra said.

 

“It is hoped that the release of this paper will provoke further forums on this subject as Victoria’s ethnic baby boomers are increasingly confronted with the aged care needs of their immigrant parents. 

 

Copies of the ECCV Discussion Paper Unready, Unwilling and Ageing: Ethnic Baby Boomers and their Parents are available to download from the Council’s website: www.eccv.org.au or by phoning 03) 9349 4122.

 

For further information, please contact 0417 489 226.

 

MEDIA RELEASE   February 5, 2009

URGENT NEED TO OPEN EMPLOYMENT DOORS FOR HUMANITARIAN MIGRANT WOMEN

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) called for a special focus on job creation for humanitarian women migrants today following the release of a new ECCV Discussion Paper documenting a number of barriers faced by many in accessing employment.

 

“This paper confirms what many associated with migrant communities have been saying for a long time: that women who have arrived in Victoria under the humanitarian entrant program are experiencing disproportionate difficulty in accessing employment opportunities.”

 

The paper, Restricted Access: Humanitarian migrant women and employment in Victoria, reports on incidences of discrimination based on visible differences such as skin colour, style of dress, accent, and cultural expression.

 

“It is appalling to think that these women, who have shown immense courage through the harshest of circumstances, have to endure further obstacles to the rebuilding of their lives stemming from the ugliest and pettiest forms of prejudice,” Mr Afra said.

 

Mr Afra pointed to a number of recommendations made in the paper regarding more functional and user-friendly English language programs, greater awareness of the labour market rights and opportunities among newly-arrived migrant communities, and a review of current childcare services which have proved inadequate to suit many women’s needs.

 

“The recommendations are common sense and reflect the common decency that Australians are renowned for when it comes to aiding another in need,” Mr Afra noted.

 

Mr Afra also highlighted the need to increase support for community organisations in their dealings with government and service providers.

 

“Community organisations are uniquely placed to help link humanitarian entrants and potential employers,” Mr Afra explained.  “Their grassroot ties can also be of great assistance in helping the families of humanitarian women appreciate and support their desire to work.”

 

The Discussion Paper notes that established gender roles in migrant family’s country of origin can carry over as part of the migration process and influence labour force participation in Australia.

 

“While this trend is by no means universal, some humanitarian women may choose to avoid seeking employment either as a result of pressure from their partner or a desire to avoid the potential for conflict and upheaval within the family,” Mr Afra said.  “The goal is to facilitate meaningful employment opportunities for these women that are mindful of their experiences and sensitive to the impact on the family dynamic.”

 

Copies of the Policy Discussion Paper are available to download from the ECCV website: www.eccv.org.au, or by contacting 03) 9349 4122.

 

MEDIA RELEASE   January 16, 2009

 

PROPOSED RETAIL BAN ON HIJAB AND BURKA UNWARRANTED AND DISCRIMINATORY

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) commended the Victorian Government today for its prompt rebuke of a Queensland lobby group’s proposal to ban customers wearing full-face hijabs and burkas in shops and banks.

 

“I know Muslim communities right across Victoria would be heartened by this show of support,” Mr Afra said after state Attorney General and acting Premier Rob Hulls dismissed any chance of such a ban being implemented in Victoria.

 

Mr Afra also questioned the motivation behind the Queensland-based National Retailers Association’s (NRA) claims that the wearing of hijabs presented an unacceptable security risk.

 

“I understand that the group believes that hijabs and burkas should be treated in the same was as helmets and hoodies which must be removed before entry,” Mr Afra said. 

 

“I’m not sure what sort of crimewave they’ve been experiencing in Queensland, but I am certainly unaware of any gangs of armed robbers, petty thieves or shoplifters operating here in Victoria under the guise of devout Muslim women.”

 

“Comparing the religious modesty of the burka and hijab to the criminal use of masks, balaclavas, hoodies and helmets is an outrageous leap, and based on recorded data of unlawful incidents, utterly unwarranted and discriminatory.”

 

“I would also add that casting aspersions on the character of a blameless segment of a retailer’s clientele seems a curious way to counter the trauma and financial losses inflicted by genuine shoplifters,” Mr Afra added.

 

“I would have thought that with so many large and small businesses suffering terribly from the current economic downturn, alienating law-abiding customers was an error of judgment retailers could ill-afford.”

 

Mr Afra expressed confidence that the Victorian public did not share the same phobia of the Muslim veil and robes expressed by the NRA.

 

Peak industry body the Australian Retailers Association has distanced itself from the rival Queensland group’s comments, labeling them: "misguided, uneducated, fear-mongering and disturbing in its nature".

 

The Federal Government has indicated that a ban on the burka on hijab such as the one proposed by the NRA would never be allowed.

 

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE   January 16, 2009

 

MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS MUST NOT INCITE LOCAL INTOLERANCE  

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) has urged all faith and ethnic community leaders to lead by example when responding to foreign conflicts such as those occurring in the Middle East.

 

“With a population renowned for its international origins, it is natural that Australians maintain an active interest in world affairs and especially those relating to ancestral homelands,” Mr Afra acknowledged.

 

“However, there is a clear distinction between exercising the democratic right to voice an informed opinion on one hand,” Mr Afra said, “and abusing that right to propagate falsehoods and prejudicial attitudes which may incite unlawful behaviour.”

 

Mr Afra was responding to reports of a recent spate of property vandalism and personal abuse reported in the local media.

 

Victoria’s Jewish community has reported a noticeable rise in the number of anti-social and anti-Semitic incidents over the past few weeks, including harassment of local Jews outside synagogue, abusive voicemails and letters left at the office of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and the defacement of the war memorial at Caulfield Park with graffiti.

 

“All Victorians should be appalled by the reports of verbal and physical aggression and desecration of monuments and places of worship being committed here in Australia against fellow Australians under the supposed banner of political expression,” Mr Afra said. “This is no way for Australians to act, no matter how passionate they might feel about reports emanating from overseas.”

 

“Local communities cannot and should not be held directly responsible for the policy decisions of foreign governments,” Mr Afra added.  “I call on the leaders of all ethnic and religious communities to demonstrate restraint and conscientiousness when discussing these kinds of issues.”

 

Mr Afra said, “ECCV takes pride in its role in promoting tolerance among Victorians who lead the way in working together to find peaceful solutions to differences.”

 

“Leading advocacy and activism can be an effective weapon against war and human intolerance.   Feeding animosity and antagonism can only exacerbate matters and whip up divisions and ill-feelings that have no place in modern multicultural Australia.”

 

MEDIA RELEASE   January 7, 2009

REVAMPED MULTILINGUAL FITNESS TRAINERS PROJECT A MODEL OF RESPONSIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), said the Council’s revamped certification program for multilingual fitness trainers should serve as an example of practical and responsive professional development across the broader community.

 

“One of the issues brought to light by the current financial crisis is personal training and professional development programs that fail to make full use of an individual’s diverse skills and effectively pre-empt community needs,” Mr Afra said.

 

“For example, our state has a rapidly expanding population of seniors with minimal or declining levels of English, but scandalously few health and fitness trainers with the language skills necessary to communicate effectively and keep our elderly Victorian’s active in their later years.”

 

Mr Afra said the Council’s revamped Multicultural Multiactive Seniors Project, run in association with the YMCA, would go some way to alleviating the increasing demand for certified bilingual fitness trainers for the elderly.

 

“It is not often that bilingual people have the chance to build on their particular skills then employ them for the community’s benefit, let alone receive funding support to do so,” Mr Afra said.

 

Expressions of interest are sought from people proficient in English and another language who may be interested in attaining a Certificate III in Fitness Training plus a specialised unit in Fitness Instruction for Older Adults.

 

The course is held at YMCA Fitness Training facilities around the state and is funded through the Victorian Office of Senior Victorians (OSV) in the Department of Planning and Community Development.

 

“Applicants should be proficient in English and be able to converse comfortably in a second language,” Mr Afra explained.  “The course can be completed in six months part-time and is conducted either during the day, evenings or on weekends beginning in February or March.”

 

Mr Afra said the first group of participants to be involved the Multicultural Multiactive Seniors Project began their course in June 2007 and the intention was to attract applicants from as broad a pool of second languages as possible.

 

Mr Afra also praised the YMCA and Victorian Government for their ongoing support of the initiative.

 

“This project is already being touted as model for future partnerships between the public and community sectors in the development of practitioners working at the grass-root level,” Mr Afra said.

 

Anyone proficient in English and a second language who may be interested in training to become a Fitness Instructor can learn more about the course by contacting Ms Kate Ling, Project Co-ordinator at ECCV on (03) 93494122 or kling@eccv.org.au.

 

MEDIA RELEASE   December 17, 2008

REVIVED ADVISORY COUNCIL TO BETTER REFLECT MODERN AUSTRALIA’S IDENTITY AND OUTLOOK

 

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), said the announcement of a new National Multicultural Advisory Council to the Australian Government was a welcome step toward ensuring policies on the national stage better reflected the needs and priorities of all Australians in the new Millennium.

 

“The Australia of today is not the Australia of fifty, forty, or even thirty years ago,” Mr Afra said.  “Our increasingly transnational population has evolved in its composition, identity and outlook and the shaping of public policy must reflect these changes.”

 

“The reinstatement of this Advisory Council will go some considerable way to helping the decision-making processes within governments at all levels remain timely and relevant to Australians in 2008 and beyond.”

 

The new council will provide advice to the Rudd Government on matters such as immigration, refugee settlement, and issues of equity and engagement for Australians of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

 

Mr Afra congratulated all nominees on the advisory committee, including his counterpart at the national level, Ms Voula Messimeri, Chairperson, Federation of Ethnic Communities' Council of Australia (FECCA).

 

Mr Afra added that he was particularly pleased to see the youth perspective represented in the 16 person committee.

 

Advisory Council member, Ms Carmen Garcia, 29, currently serves as Assistant Director of Multicultural Youth South Australia.

 

“If the current economic and environmental crises gripping the globe emphasise anything, it is that the generations who follow ultimately live with the consequences of decisions made today.  It is only reasonable then their ideas and aspirations are given a fair hearing and due consideration.”

 

Mr Afra also urged that the unique circumstances of many newly-arrived Australians from Africa be kept firmly at the forefront of the Rudd Government’s social inclusion policy agenda.

 

“Helping refugees and humanitarian entrants to make the successful transition into life in Australia is going to need to stay high atop the list of social priorities in the coming years,” Mr Afra said, “and it is only by maintaining regular communication and consultation with the communities at the grassroots level that specific challenges can be identified and addressed.”

MEDIA RELEASE   December 16, 2008

A TIMELY REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES FOR ETHNIC COMMUNITIES

Mr Sam Afra, Chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), hailed the launch today of a new research paper examining the planning and delivery of services for older people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

“This paper helps stimulate a much-needed discussion about the state aged care for our rapidly expanding population of seniors from ethnic backgrounds,” Mr Afra said.

 

The research report, commissioned by ECCV, was produced by Monash University’s Healthy Ageing Research Unit (HARU) and officially launched by Ms Anna Burke, Federal Member for Chisholm, at the Monash Conference Centre in Melbourne.

 

Mr Afra said a key theme of the report was a need for ethno-specific agencies and mainstream services to better complement each other.

 

“Too often discussion about different aged care models focuses on comparisons between the public, private and community sectors which is not always been appropriate or productive,” Mr Afra said.

 

“Many grass-roots community organisations have taken on the responsibility of aged care provider for the elderly in their ethnic communities because of an identified need,” Mr Afra explained. “They do so with minimal support and the slenderest of resources, and should be commended for the immeasurable difference they make to the lives of Victorian seniors.”

 

“The report notes, however, that it isn’t enough for us to simply rely on ethno-specific agencies to respond to the needs of all of Australia’s ethnic communities. As our diverse population ages, all service providers have a duty of care to better understand and attend to the specific needs that arise, and are prevalent already.”

 

The research report identified a lack of accessible information about services to older people and their families as a key barrier to be addressed.

 

Mr Afra paid special tribute to the team of researchers at Monash University responsible for producing the report.

 

“The development of this research paper is a prime example of the type of co-operative projects that can and should be encouraged between the community and academic sectors,” Mr Afra said. “ECCV hopes it will also signal the beginning of further intensive research into the needs and expectations of older people from diverse backgrounds and their families.”

 

“By being part of the consultation process, older Victorians have the chance to provide their own input into the planning and policy that most directly affects their lives.”

MEDIA RELEASE   December 11, 2008