The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) is requesting for all political leaders to reject divisive narratives and cease using migrant communities as a political tool in the coming election.
FECCA is urging political leaders to endorse its Policy Platform for the 2025 Federal Election, with Chairperson Peter Doukas stating the nation’s migrant population deserves leadership that unites instead of rhetoric that divides.
“Multicultural and migrant communities must not be used to score political points,” Doukas said in a media release.
“We strongly urge all candidates to run respectful, inclusive campaigns that strengthen our social fabric rather than tear it apart. This election must be about all Australians. Our cultural diversity is something to be celebrated, not weaponised.”
FECCA remarked in their announcement on their displeasure with how culturally and linguistically diverse communities have been drawn into divisive political debates in the lead-up to the election.
They strongly insisted leaders across the political spectrum avoid turning migrants and multicultural Australians into political battlegrounds.
Their announcement raised several topics of concern, such as citizenship ‘values’ tests and deportation proposals, refugee bans linked to international conflict, scapegoating migrants over housing and cost of living.
They argued that the political discourse on these subjects have led to very divisive rhetoric that generalises and assigns blame unfairly to multicultural groups and migrants.
FECCA is urging every candidate to commit to constructive discourse that celebrates diversity rather than exploiting it, with their Policy Platform “Governing for an Inclusive and Prosperous Multicultural Australia” aimed at outlining positive measures to strengthen social cohesion.
It includes key priorities such as:
Human Rights & Anti-Racism: Enact a national Human Rights Act and invest in a comprehensive Anti-Racism Strategy to protect rights and combat discrimination.
Cost of Living Support: Address rising cost-of-living pressures disproportionately affecting migrant and multicultural communities through targeted economic and social measures.
Inclusive Governance: Increase cultural and linguistic diversity in political representation and ensure government services are accessible and equitable for all communities.
FECCA reiterated their desire for leaders to rise above divisive narratives and champion a vision for a fair, inclusive and cohesive Australia.
