ECCV 2012 State and Federal Budget Highlights for Diverse Communities
 

Refugees and language services major wins for diverse Victorians in steady state budget

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria last week welcomed the 9.2 per cent state budget increase to $21.4m funding as a steady result for Victoria’s multicultural communities.

ECCV Chairperson Mr Joe Caputo said the major budget wins for diverse Victorians were in refugee support programs and language services funding in the areas of education, health and justice. 

“In a budget that forecasts $8.3bn less revenue over the next four years, we are pleased that multiculturalism retains its present funding levels with a modest increase,” Mr Caputo said.

“We have been advocating for program funding to support refugees and asylum seekers for a number of years, so $1.3m is a real win for this neglected area of government investment.” 

Mr Caputo said $7m investment in language education training, $4.1m for language services in the justice system and $3.8m over 4 years for language services in health reflected the growing need for culturally competent service provision. MORE

State Budget International Engagement Strategy must use Victorian migrants’ skills

The Victoria Government’s new $50m international engagement strategy is an opportunity to use Australian migrants’ language skills and networks.

Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria Chairperson Joe Caputo said that economic growth from international trade opportunities relied upon supporting Victorians with international skills and knowledge.

“Victoria’s attractiveness to international investors and trade partners is because of our highly skilled workforce,” Mr Caputo said.

“Victoria’s migrant population have economically valuable insights into overseas markets, language and business culture which facilitate international business engagement.”

Mr Caputo said the additional $1bn over four years allocated in the state budget to create a better educated and skilled workforce must target migrant communities. MORE