9 February 2016
Northern Australia Taskforce
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
PO Box 6500
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Via email: northernaustralia@pmc.gov.au
Dear Northern Australia Taskforce members
Developing Northern Australia Green Paper
The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA)
welcomes the opportunity to make a submission on the Green Paper on
Developing Northern Australia and contribute to informing the development and
implementation of the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia.
FECCA is the national peak body representing Australians from culturally and
linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. FECCA provides advocacy,
develops policy and promotes issues on behalf of its constituency to the
Australian Government and the broader community. FECCA supports
multiculturalism, community harmony, social justice and the rejection of all
forms of discrimination and racism so as to build a productive and culturally rich
Australian society. FECCA’s policies are designed around the concepts of
empowerment and inclusion, and are formulated with the common good of all
Australians in mind.
FECCA seeks to reiterate the recommendations made in its submission to the
Inquiry into the Development of Northern Australia earlier this year, and to
provide a culturally and linguistically diverse perspective on the opportunities
and challenges facing the development of Northern Australia.
Recognising the diversity
FECCA believes that the development of a policy platform for promoting growth
in Northern Australia should recognise and tap into the cultural diversity of the
region, and explore the opportunities generated by the talents and the skills
offered by people from immigrant and refugee backgrounds.
Northern Australia has a long history of welcoming migrants from various parts
of the world, who have not only contributed to an enriched multicultural
landscape, but also to the economic growth of the region. Acknowledging this
cultural diversity, along with the opportunities it brings, and the settlementrelated challenges that exist, is paramount to developing an effective and
sustainable policy framework for developing Northern Australia.
FECCA advocates for an inclusive approach to developing Northern Australia,
including the need for engagement and consultation with all relevant
stakeholders, encompassing both Indigenous and culturally and linguistically
diverse communities. As such, FECCA welcomes the representation of
Indigenous communities on the Advisory Group, but remains concerned about
the lack of representation of culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Such communities living in the region can face diverse and additional
challenges in achieving their potential. Despite various challenges, members of
immigrant and refugee communities can also bring with them innovation, can
inspire new opportunities and introduce new approaches and alternative
solutions. Therefore, it is important that they are consulted and included in the
development of the White Paper.
FECCA is also disappointed by the lack of focus on culturally and linguistically
diverse communities in the Green Paper and the lack of consideration for
strategies to promote community harmony and improve social cohesion,
particularly in regions where local attitudes towards new immigrants and cultural
diversity tend to be predominantly negative1.
Creating a platform for fostering social cohesion, community harmony and
cultural awareness is paramount for achieving many of the stated objectives
and proposed policy directions of the White Paper. Exploring and developing
trade, cultural and investment links with the Asia-Pacific region, pursuing an
increase in the number of international students attending Northern Australian
Universities, better engagement with international development in the region
and importing skills from overseas are objectives that require, or can benefit
from, embracing and promoting positive attitudes towards cultural diversity and
from implementing a multicultural access and equity framework.
Encouraging more international students, skilled migrants and humanitarian
entrants to move to Northern Australia is dependent on the ability of the region
to cater for their specific needs, and facilitate their settlement in an environment
free of discrimination or racism. Adequate settlement services, access to
culturally appropriate support mechanisms, and improved infrastructure are just
a few of the key issues to be factored into the policy design and planning
process.
As noted in the Green Paper, the diversity of communities can create additional
burdens and challenges in meeting community needs and expectations, as well
as ensuring that service delivery is coordinated and effective. However, these
challenges should work as an incentive for all levels of Government to ensure
that diverse communities are represented in the planning process and are
consulted not only on their needs, but also on how they can contribute to the
development of the region.
1
Monash University (2013) Mapping Social Cohesion: The Scanlon
Foundation Surveys Local Areas Report 2013, available at http://scanlonfoundation.org.au/wpcontent/uploads/2014/07/mapping-social-cohesion-local-areas-report-2013.pdf
Opportunities
In line with the Green Paper’s stated purpose to identify the major challenges
and opportunities facing Northern Australia, FECCA believes that it is important
to also identify some of the potential opportunities generated by the presence of
culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the region.
One of them refers to addressing issues such as sparse population and skills
shortages by encouraging and assisting the settlement in the region of
immigrants and refugees who can contribute with the much needed experience
and skills. The Australian Government has a track record of regionalising the
immigration policy through various initiatives and visa pathways, as well as by
focusing on the relocation of unemployed workers form areas of high
unemployment to areas experiencing skills shortages. This can prove to be
beneficial to rural and regional communities, where settlement services and the
appropriate infrastructure and support systems are in place2.
Refugees and other humanitarian entrants often live most of their lives in rural
or inland communities that are similar to the environment in rural Australia. As a
result, they may be used to living in remote areas and may feel like they 'don’t
belong in the city'3. Encouraging their settlement in rural areas may therefore
not only provide a suitable settlement options for them, but would also benefit
the rural society and economy in which they settle, help to maintain populations
and economies, and foster innovation..
FECCA’s Harmony in the Workplace factsheets4 have highlighted that, in the
current economic context that is characterised by increased labour demands
and market competitiveness, Australia should take full advantage of the
opportunities presented by its multicultural society and should make the best
use of the skills and resources of a culturally diverse workforce that are
available. The factsheets further note:
Attracting employees who understand how to do business in Asia and how to
build relationships and work effectively in the new and challenging economic
environment is an increasing priority for many businesses. So, too, is
developing a workforce of employees with diverse cultural and language
knowledge and skills, to secure future business and trade success within Asia
and boost Australia’s competitive edge in international markets. 5
In general, skilled and unskilled migrants, as well as humanitarian entrants, can
face prejudice related to their skills, talents and ability to make a positive
2
Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA), FECCA Submission to the
Inquiry into regional skills relocation, 2010, available at
http://www.fecca.org.au/images/stories/documents/Submissions/2010/submissions_2010028.pdf
3 Ibid.
4 Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA), Harmony in the Workplace:
Delivering the Diversity Dividend, 2013, Factsheet 2, available at
http://fecca.org.au/images/Documents/Harmony/factsheet%202%20%20the%20australian%20workforce.pdf
5 Ibid.
contribution. Both the public and private sectors tend to focus on the negative
aspects regarding migrant workers, such as the needs, challenges and the
costs associated with resettling immigrants and humanitarian entrants in
regional areas and providing adequate support to facilitate this. However, such
attitudes fail to see the great potential of such groups and to understand the
range of skills that they can contribute with regard to the growth of a region or
industry.
The international experience that migrant workers bring is valuable to a region
that seeks to develop its ties with markets beyond Australian borders. A recent
report produced by FECCA on the workforce participation of women from
culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, for instance, has identified
some key unique strengths that people from immigrant and refugee
backgrounds very often possess and which, in this context, could be a
significant asset for the economic and social growth of Northern Australia.
Some of these strengths include:





intercultural capabilities–an enhanced ability for intercultural
communication and engagement;
innovation–the ability and willingness to think differently and present
alternative views and approaches;
global perspectives–a broader view of the world and ability to link to
ideas and opportunities outside the norm;
adaptability–capacity for collaboration and negotiation; and
commitment to diversity and equality–capacity for inclusiveness and
valuing difference.6
As the Green Paper seeks to revitalise and develop the agriculture sector in
Northern Australia, immigrants and refugees can also contribute with new ideas
and methods of operation to revitalise agriculture while also contributing to other
industries. Anecdotally, immigrants and refugees have historically contributed to
developing the agricultural sector in Australia. An in-depth analysis of the
agricultural practices, skills, experiences, innovation and cultural backgrounds
of immigrants and refugees involved in the Australian agricultural sector should
be considered in developing policy directions for growth in Northern Australia.
Again, in addition to contributing to knowledge development, immigrants and
refugees can assist in addressing labour shortages in the agricultural sector.
Indeed, immigrant groups in the agriculture industry have been identified as a
significant part of the seasonal agricultural workforce. Temporary skilled
migrants could also contribute to the further development of the agriculture
industry, contributing additional expertise and diverse skills. Most often,
temporary skilled migrants will go on to become permanent residents and
Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), Promoting CALD Women’s
Participation on Boards and in Decision-Making Positions Summary report, 2013, p. 35, available at
http://fecca.org.au/images/Documents/cald_womens_leadership_project_summary_report.pdf
6
citizens. The skills that they bring subsequently remain in Australia and can
further contribute to the industries they are working in.
Challenges
FECCA notes that taking advantage of the opportunities presented through the
settlement of culturally and linguistically diverse Australians in Northern
Australia can only be effectively facilitated if policy frameworks and support
systems are implemented to enable this. Attracting and retaining immigrants
and humanitarian entrants in rural and regional areas can pose various
challenges and require coordinated and adequate planning and funding. Local
communities, local governments and local businesses are required to work
together to ensure that appropriate and integrated support services are
available to people settling in such areas.
FECCA is aware that immigrants and humanitarian entrants who initially settle
in regional and rural areas often do not obtain adequate support and settlement
services. As a result, after a brief period in a rural location, many immigrants
move to metropolitan areas where they find services (specialist and
mainstream) are available, and where it is more likely that they will be able to
interact with members of their own community to receive the necessary social
support, information and other assistance required for effective settlement.
Some of the key challenges for culturally and linguistically diverse communities
are similar to those faced by all mainstream communities living in rural and
regional Australia. These include remoteness and social isolation, poor
infrastructure, limited transport options, limited provision of health, employment
and education services, difficulties in finding adequate housing as well as
limited employment opportunities. However, as FECCA has previously
highlighted, many of these issues are exacerbated for immigrants or people
from refugee backgrounds due to their specific circumstances, such as low
English proficiency, limited access to cultural and religious institutions,
experience of torture and/or trauma, racism, labelling and stereotyping.
The prevalence of discrimination and racism generated by negative attitudes
towards certain ethnic or cultural groups can create an additional layer of
complexity and barriers that may impede effective settlement and community
engagement. Adverse reactions towards immigrants or humanitarian entrants
settling in a certain area can create tensions amongst community members and
destabilise community harmony. This can subsequently have negative effects
not only on social cohesion levels in the area, but can also adversely impact
productivity and economic development.
For a more detailed discussion about the key challenges faced by culturally and
linguistically communities in rural and regional Australia, including
recommendations towards fostering sustainable regional immigration and
humanitarian settlement, FECCA recommends consultation of its previous
submission to the Inquiry into the Development of Northern Australia, available
at: http://fecca.org.au/images/submissions/fecca%20submission%20%20jsc%20northern%20australia.pdf .
Recommendations
1. FECCA strongly recommends that culturally and linguistically diverse
communities are represented on the Advisory Group and that their needs as
well as potential contributions are considered and factored in the White
Paper.
2. FECCA also recommends that the key policy directions proposed for the
development of Northern Australia also feature strategies to foster positive
attitudes towards multiculturalism, social cohesion and community harmony.
It is important that targeted and coordinated strategies to tackle
discrimination and racism are developed at community, government and
private sector level and incorporated into the policy platform for developing
Northern Australia.
3. The development and implementation of the White Paper should recognise
cultural diversity as one of the key assets of the region and should develop
clear strategies to maximise its value and fully enjoy its benefits.
4. The White Paper should recognise the value and the potential contribution
of immigrant and refugee communities in Northern Australia and propose
strategies to encourage their settlement by developing an adequate support
infrastructure.
FECCA hopes that the perspectives offered above will prompt the Northern
Australia Taskforce and other stakeholders to consider culturally and
linguistically diverse Australians as an asset to the region, and the importance
of cultural diversity as a vital component that will facilitate the development of
Northern Australia.
FECCA is grateful for the opportunity to make a contribution to the consultation
process, and invites members of the Northern Australia Taskforce to contact the
FECCA Office on (02) 6282 5755 or at admin@fecca.org.au for further
information.
Yours sincerely
Ricardo Viana
FECCA Rural and Regional Chair