Towards Fairness: SMRC contributes to shaping a multicultural Australia 

The Report recently published following the Multicultural Framework Review, titled “Towards Fairness: A Multicultural Australia for All,” represents a significant milestone in advancing Australia’s commitment to an inclusive and cohesive society. This comprehensive report, informed by extensive consultations across the nation, outlines a set of 29 recommendations and from that, ten high-priority recommendations aimed at strengthening Australia’s multicultural fabric. SMRC is proud to have contributed to this landmark review, as its recommendations align closely with its vision and mission to support and empower migrants and refugees.

Affirming Commitment to Multicultural Australia

The review’s top recommendation emphasizes the importance of the Australian Government to affirm commitment to a multicultural Australia. This aligns with SMRC’s core belief in celebrating and strengthening the contributions of migrants and refugees. In its submission to the Framework Review, SMRC strongly advocated for “inclusive and shared responsibility” in promoting multiculturalism, emphasizing not only government, but all sectors of society. “The multicultural framework must be articulated as a shared responsibility across Australian society, where all sectors, groups, and individuals have a role to play in promoting and celebrating the many and varied benefits of cultural diversity”​​. – SMRC submission to the Multicultural Framework Review.

Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness of Grants and Funding Programs

Another critical recommendation from the review is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of multicultural grants and funding programs, with consultation and co-design of guidelines and common standards across government and community sectors. SMRC has long advocated for integrated, long-term, impact-oriented programming that supports generational change. We also support reform to key government programs to better tailor activities to the needs of people from a CALD background as one size does not and will not fit all.

Observing the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racism

SMRC supports the recommendation for Australia to formally observe the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racism as separate to a national plan to celebrate cultural diversity through initiatives such as Harmony Week. SMRC recommended through its submission the important need to explicitly address issues of discrimination and prejudice in order to address the prejudice, discrimination and racism experienced by people from CALD backgrounds. We welcome the review’s recommendation for comprehensive anti-racism initiatives that are tailored to specific needs and centred on respect.

Enhancing Data Collection and Research

SMRC took the opportunity through its submission to the Multicultural Framework Review to stress the importance of improved data collection and research to better understand the complexities and nuances across communities. A data-driven approach is essential for designing programs that deliver meaningful outcomes and effectively address the needs of CALD communities. Although not included in the 10 high-priority recommendations, we were pleased to see evidence in the Review of progress towards implementing a multicultural research framework to support data and research.

The “Towards Fairness” report sets a clear and ambitious agenda for fostering a multicultural Australia. SMRC is dedicated to aligning its programs and services with these recommendations, advocating for policies that tangibly improve the lives of migrants and refugees. As the review states, the framework must be “a once-in-a-generation reform agenda requiring a whole-of-government and community approach that will position Australia to realise its full potential as one nation made up of many cultures, faiths, and experiences”​​. SMRC looks forward to continuing to play a role in this national journey towards fairness and inclusivity.

You can read SMRC’s Submission to the Multicultural Framework Review here.