Multiculturalism

A question on notice to the Minister representing the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Aboriginal Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education regarding early childhood education refugees.

The Refugee Advice and Casework Service [RACS] is at the forefront of the greatest humanitarian crises around the world. As more comes to light about the plight of Rohingya refugees and the asylum seekers abandoned on Manus Island, the work of organisations such as RACS has never been more vital.

I am proud to represent an electorate that is diverse, resilient, compassionate and engaged—and electorate that is home to bold community groups such as Mums 4 Refugees.

For over 40 years Vivi Germano-Koutsounados has been advocating for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia. Vivi migrated to Australia from Greece in 1954 when she was only nine years old. Her experience of migration has driven her passion for multiculturalism, social justice and human rights for migrants and refugees.

I offer my sincere thanks to Portuguese Australians for all their contributions to our communities and culture. I wish them the best for their national day celebrations on Saturday 10 June 2017.

The Leader of the Opposition and NSW Labor have had the backbone to rule out One Nation preferences in New South Wales but the Premier and those opposite have refused to do the same. 

The Ethnic Child Care, Family and Community Services Co-operative in Marrickville is a vital organisation for those from culturally and linguistically diverse [CALD] backgrounds. It works to connect services and to ensure CALD residents have access to children's services, aged care services, and services for the elderly or the disabled. It works alongside other fantastic organisations in the inner west, including Community and Cultural Connections, that work to give independence to vulnerable members of our multicultural community.

The highest point in Kiribati is three metres above sea level.

When Dutton chooses to vilify and denigrate those seeking asylum and the community groups that support them, he does not speak for the people of New South Wales.

Refugee Week is an opportunity to recognise the important contribution refugees make to the Australian culture, way of life and economy.