Settlement Services International (SSI) has praised the findings of the Multicultural Framework Review, Towards Fairness: A multicultural Australia for all, released yesterday. This significant review, the first of its kind in over 50 years, encapsulates the voices of thousands of Australians and sets forth a forward-thinking vision for multicultural policy in the nation.
SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis highlighted the importance of multiculturalism as a fundamental aspect of Australia’s national identity. While acknowledging the solid foundations of past policies, Roumeliotis emphasised the need for an updated approach to better reflect contemporary Australia.
“We commend both the Federal Government and the review panel for delivering this comprehensive roadmap that will build on Australia’s strong multicultural foundations,” said Roumeliotis. “It has been decades since we’ve seen a review of this nature. If implemented, these changes would offer a reset so that multiculturalism and multicultural policy reflect the Australia of this century, not the last.”
One of the review’s notable aspects is its recognition of the necessity to enhance multicultural communities’ understanding of and engagement with First Nations communities. The report presents a modern and nuanced interpretation of multiculturalism in 2024 and beyond. It proposes a national framework and a set of reforms at the Ministerial and departmental levels to support this vision, including the creation of an Australian Multicultural Commission.
In December 2023, SSI joined forces with the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia and over 80 other community organisations to advocate for these changes. The joint advocacy recommended updates to ensure multicultural Australia is fit for the 21st century.
Roumeliotis expressed SSI’s support for several of the review’s recommendations, particularly those aimed at strengthening support for refugees with disabilities through a formal partnership between the NDIS and the Department of Home Affairs. The review also addresses the digital divide, advocating for culturally responsive digital infrastructure to enhance access to essential services.
“It was particularly heartening to see a strong focus on integrating lived experience and ensuring the voices of multicultural Australia are involved in the co-design and development of these initiatives,” Roumeliotis added.
SSI is eager to collaborate with the Federal Government, communities, and peers in the community sector to bring this progressive vision to life. The organisation is committed to delivering a range of human services that connect individuals, families, and children from diverse backgrounds with opportunities, including settlement support, disability programs, community engagement initiatives, and training and employment pathways.
At the core of SSI’s mission is a commitment to equality, empathy, and the celebration of every individual, aligning perfectly with the vision outlined in the Multicultural Framework Review.
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