Victoria’s multicultural communities are being urged to make their priorities felt at the November state election, with the state’s peak ethnic communities body calling on parties and candidates to address racism, ageing, youth justice and long-term funding for community organisations.
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria has released a 14-point election platform following a year of consultation with communities across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
ECCV chief executive Farah Farouque said multicultural voters could have an important bearing on the November 28 poll and political leaders needed to listen to concerns extending beyond individual marginal electorates.
“Multicultural voters matter in this election. Our voices, priorities and hopes must help shape Victoria’s future. This election is a test for our democracy as some loud voices in the public debate seek to divide us,” Ms Farouque said.
The platform, A Victoria for All of Us, covers community language education, gambling harm, intergenerational tensions in multicultural families and access to culturally responsive services.
“Multicultural voters matter in this election. Our voices, priorities and hopes must help shape Victoria’s future. This election is a test for our democracy as some loud voices in the public debate seek to divide us”
Ms Farouque said the election had to be about more than securing votes in key seats.
“It is about whether our political leaders are deeply listening to our diverse communities and responding to key concerns such as growing racism and hate and providing access to services that respond to needs. ECCV’s platform paints a positive vision for a Victoria where everyone belongs.”
ECCV has identified five priorities it wants candidates to support, beginning with sustainable, long-term funding for the multicultural sector, including the peak body and regional and grassroots organisations.
It is also calling for investment in community-led programs to combat racism and hate, including antisemitism and Islamophobia, and increased support for multicultural ageing through place-based programs and a proposed statewide Centre of Excellence led by ECCV.
The council wants two intercultural hubs trialled in Melbourne’s outer suburbs to encourage greater contact between different communities.
Its fifth priority focuses on early intervention in youth justice, with ECCV arguing that prevention should be given greater emphasis in efforts to reduce the overrepresentation of some multicultural communities in the justice system.
“These recommendations will strengthen communities, improve support across all stages of life and create more opportunities for connection. We are asking parties and candidates to commit to these priorities and help build a stronger Victoria for all of us,” Ms Farouque said.
ECCV board chairperson Silvia Renda said hundreds of people had contributed to the platform and the recommendations reflected concerns raised in both Melbourne and regional Victoria.
She also stressed the organisation’s political independence as it sought commitments from candidates across the political spectrum.
“The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria is not aligned with any political party. We work constructively with governments of all persuasions because our focus is and will always be on the interests of multicultural communities”.
Ms Renda said ECCV expected to continue working with whichever party formed government after the election.
“Government will lead the system, but the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria will remain the trusted community-led partner that helps ensure the system listens, responds and delivers”.
ECCV represents more than 230 member organisations and has advocated for migrant and refugee communities for more than five decades. Established in 1974, it describes itself as Australia’s first multiethnic council.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
