The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the lives of all Australians in ways that were unimaginable only a few months ago. It is now clear that policies and human services will have to continue to adapt fast and operate under uncertainty for months to come. In this context, the need for cooperation across sectors and good governance has been accentuated.
Victoria is multicultural and highly diverse and only by working together throughout this crisis will we be able to find equitable solutions that prevent an increase in disadvantage for particular groups. The rise in COVID 19 cases in Melbourne since late June shows that a failure to address inequities in access to information, supports, and in individuals’ ability to maintain strict social isolation for longer periods, might amplify disadvantage. As governments and service providers rethink the best ways to support the wider population, ECCV reiterates that effective and regular participation of multicultural communities in the design and implementation of responses to this crisis is fundamental.
ECCV has prepared a series of Issue Briefs that highlight the main challenges and recommendations in areas of priority identified in a survey of our members, and through our work with stakeholders during these initial months of the pandemic. This brief presents the main survey results as an additional resource for the multicultural sector and for policymakers, in our joint effort to adopt culturally appropriate measures that can help all Victorians to keep safe and well.
Media Enquiries
For media enquiries or more information, please contact:
Email: media@eccv.org.au
Phone: 0431 091 738
