List of Recommendations

Recommendation 1

6.5

The committee recommends the government investigate ways to further recognise the many contributions of diaspora communities to Australia. Multicultural policy statements should reinforce the recognition and celebration of the contribution of diaspora communities to Australia.

Recommendation 2

6.7

The committee recommends that the Department of Home Affairs table the whole-of-government review report on the performance of the Multicultural Access and Equity Policy for the period 2016-18 as soon as possible.

Recommendation 3

6.13

The committee recommends that government departments running grant processes ensure that they:

do not inadvertently disadvantage or exclude smaller and new and emerging community organisations;

have sufficient flexibility to meet the specific needs of communities;

use clear language and make generic advice on common issues and questions available in languages other than English; and

provide constructive feedback on unsuccessful applications submitted by community organisations.

Recommendation 4

6.15

The committee recommends that the Department of Home Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Social Services, review support available to community organisations wishing to apply for government grants to assist with capacity building to ensure it is appropriately targeted and publicised. This may include translating some resources and publishing some training online so it is more accessible.

Recommendation 5

6.22

The committee recommends that the government consider increasing awareness of the National Security Hotline as a means of reporting foreign interference by way of a multilingual media or information campaign and promoting awareness through peak groups.

Recommendation 6

6.26

The committee recommends that the government bring forward Magnitsky-style legislation having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade on the use of targeted sanctions to address gross human rights abuses.

Recommendation 7

6.30

The committee recommends that the government consider the appropriateness of resourcing the Race Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission to reinvigorate the existing National Anti-Racism Strategy and Campaign in the immediate term.

Recommendation 8

6.31

The committee recommends that the government consider resourcing the development of a new and comprehensive national anti-racism framework.

Recommendation 9

6.32

The committee recommends that the development of the new national anti-racism framework include a comprehensive consultation process, with a focus on diaspora communities.

Recommendation 10

6.35

The committee recommends that any evaluation of the effectiveness of the Fourth National Action Plan, as well as any policy developed in this area in future, retains a focus on supporting CALD communities.

Recommendation 11

6.39

The committee recommends that the government clarify how it intends to respond to the identified need for some individuals to be able to access settlement services beyond their first five years in Australia.

Recommendation 12

6.44

The committee recommends that the government, in consultation with stakeholder and representative bodies, explore options to improve knowledge and understanding of diaspora communities within the public service and across the broader Australian population.

Recommendation 13

6.47

The committee recommends that the government explore opportunities for closer collaboration with public libraries in the provision of services to diaspora communities, including consideration of how to better articulate and disseminate positive narratives about diaspora contributions in their local communities.

Recommendation 14

6.55

The committee recommends that the government consider establishing a single point of contact for Australia's diaspora communities.

Recommendation 15

6.56

In the context of better leveraging the unique expertise in Australia's diaspora communities, the committee recommends that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade develop an internal policy on diaspora community consultation, to make such consultation a systematic element in its policy development processes.

Recommendation 16

6.57

Acknowledging the value of diaspora-led development and humanitarianism, the committee recommends that the government support, where appropriate, the attendance and participation of active Australian-based diaspora organisations in intergovernmental dialogue and debate on relevant topics.

Recommendation 17

6.59

The committee recommends the government review its approach to communication with diaspora communities to ensure that essential information is being effectively disseminated, including through engaging with diaspora community organisations in the development and dissemination of information.

Recommendation 18

6.60

The committee recommends that the Department of Home Affairs develop guidance for communications tailored to diaspora groups for dissemination across government. The guidance should cover language, cultural sensitivity and consideration of modes of delivery.

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