Page 771 - Week 02 - Thursday, 23 February 2012
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English-speaking backgrounds. I am proud that this is not a city that seeks to race to the lowest common denominator when it comes to discussing issues around migrants, refugees and multiculturalism. This government has always sought to promote the best qualities of multiculturalism and welcome people from all backgrounds, rather than erect barriers as fast as possible and create a hostile environment for those of different backgrounds.
We are proud of the contribution that our multicultural community makes to the ACT. In fact, I would remind members that last year we put in place the ACT services access card. This was our commitment to providing the fairest society possible for all Canberrans, and that is no less the case for asylum seekers. We as a government appreciate that asylum seekers have had to endure tremendous emotional hardships. We wanted to provide them with as much help as possible so they can adjust to their new life.
This is why we made a pledge to provide asylum seekers with the same services as we provide to refugees wherever possible. We do this through the ACT services access card. That card makes it easier for asylum seekers to access all the services that they are entitled to. We have information being disseminated through various groups such as Companion House, MARSS and on our website about how people can apply—it is being managed through Companion House—for access to a card and get the services that they are entitled to.
As Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I had the pleasure to formally recognise in November last year several individuals and community organisations that have made an exceptional contribution to our community at the inaugural Multicultural Awards. It was a great opportunity to make comment about some of those winners.
I would like to take the time to make mention of some of those winners. The multicultural award for multicultural advocate of the year went to Sela Taufa. Sela is an inspiration not only for the people that she works with and supports but also for the people she has consistently lobbied for consideration of multicultural women’s rights.
Sela has a strong voice advocating for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. She has addressed the federal Senate and co-authored the Australian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Alliance submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration inquiry into multiculturalism in Australia.
She spearheaded the multicultural women’s advocacy employability partnership program, which was designed to give migrant and refugee women opportunities to find their voices, learn new skills, and to gain experience and confidence in the areas of business and employment.
Also at these Multicultural Awards, the award for outstanding volunteer went to Ms Chin Wong. Chin Wong is also very heavily connected with the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum. She has been a volunteer within the multicultural community since 1988. She currently holds the position of president of the ACT Chinese Australian Association. She is secretary of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum and a member of the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing.
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