New Victorian government urged to deliver on its promise to hear needs of migrants, refugees

The Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria has welcomed the election of a new Labor government in Victoria as an opportunity to address the issue of access to employment and aged care for migrant communities.

Prior to the election premier-elect Daniel Andrews said he would be willing to sit down with representatives of new and emerging communities in Victoria to discuss issues relevant to their settlement.

The Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria said it hopes to raise the issue of access to jobs for newly settled migrant and refugee communities, with the new state government.

Director of the council, Ross Barnett said a number of barriers prevent new migrants and refugees from getting employment.

"I know Daniel Andrews has talked about improving the jobs situation in Victoria. We would like to talk to him about avenues to increase jobs for migrant and refugee communities," he told SBS World News Radio.

Full interview: Ross Barnett speaks to Kristina Kukolja



He said aged care also remains a concern for post-war migrants, despite some gains made in this area.

"I note that the new government has made a commitment to assist the Chinese community in Victoria, for instance to access land...to build a Chinese-specific age care facility, so that's very welcome."

The Labor Party promised prior to the election that would put $150,000 to funding a venue dedicated to diversity and innovation in the state's arts, culture and tourism sectors.

The new venue will be called the Multicultural Arts Victoria's House of World Cultures, with plans for it to be established on Princes Pier.

Ross Barnett welcomed the plan, saying it would go a long way to strengthening the state's diversity.

"We don't know the government to rest on its laurels, but we urge them to think creatively about how we can build on Victoria's strength and diversity.  

"I think this proposal for a House of World Cultures can reinforce the benefits and the strength in diversity that we have in Victoria. I think that it would also provide a focus for arts and culture to be a tourist feature for the state of Victoria."


Share

2 min read

Published


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world