With the same-sex marriage postal plebiscite set to get underway from 12 September, the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) is urging the government to ensure that diverse voices are heard in the democratic process.

“Postal votes are unfamiliar to most Australians including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” said acting FECCA chair, Eugenia Grammatikakis.

“It is critical that an inclusive process is adopted and that appropriate information and support is provided throughout the process to communities vulnerable to being disenfranchised.”

She cited, the 2016 Census results which revealed that 21 per cent of Australians speak a language other than English at home and nearly half of Australians had either been born overseas or have one or both parents who were born overseas.

“This means that information including how to register on the electoral role, and on the postal vote process, must be provided to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities through a range of channels and community languages,” Ms Grammatikakis said.

“This must be a priority for the government to prevent the disenfranchisement of individuals from CALD backgrounds.”

The acting chair recognised that to make this possible, the necessary campaign would require time and resources, and said that FECCA would be pleased to work with the ABS and AEC.