Multicultural Summit 2009

Queensland Shelter attended the ECCQ Multicultural Summit 2009 held at the State Library of Queensland on 26^th and 27^th October.  The Summit hosted practitioners, researchers, lecturers and teachers who spoke on a variety of topics ranging from global issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons, to multicultural policy, and complex issues such as the impacts of racism.  Keynote speakers included Australian criminal lawyer with a passion for human rights, Michael Hourigan, and broadcaster, author and social commentator Phillip Adams.  The Summit brought together individuals and representatives from a variety of organisations with a common interest and it reignited discussion and debate of all issues and concerns pertaining to multiculturalism. 

Breakout sessions explored a range of issues including refugee settlement, racism and discrimination, empowering youth, cultural competency strategies and programs, and international students and the many visa options.  Many of the issues and concerns which were raised at the Summit are echoed in ASHRAMs revised Call to Action soon to be finalised, and remain key concerns which need addressing.  The Summit was a success, with all participants working over the two days toward a meaningful Declaration which reflected the Summit proceedings and may inform future policy. 

The keynote address given by Michael Hourigan was entitled “when good men do nothing” and was drawn from the failure of the UN to step in and prevent the Rwandan genocide from occurring when it was forewarned what was to come.  Michael spoke about the application of this to our lives in Australia and the difference which individuals and organisations can make.  After working in some of the most dangerous and politically unstable countries in the world, Michael shared some of his most recent experiences of uncovering some of the worst human rights violations and the journey demanding accountability.  His address sparked in all renewed energy about the critical role individuals and organisations play in upholding human rights and were a great way to start the Summit.

A number of the plenary and breakout sessions allowed for detailed discussion of concerns and issues had by individuals and organisations attending the Summit.  What shone through as a significant issue and was raised time and again at the Summit was the difficulty which migrants and refugees face when trying to secure employment.  Many are settling in positions which do not adequately reflect their skills, abilities or qualifications.  In particular, international students who have studied in Australia and seek employment on finishing find it incredibly difficult in an already competitive job market to be given a fair and equal opportunity.  The result is that many are forced to settle in positions which they are far overqualified for.

The discrimination which many face is again experienced when trying to access secure and affordable housing.  The competitive rental market is difficult enough to navigate without compounding issues such as discrimination, language and cultural barriers.  Breakout sessions also explored the concerns and issues of international students or migrants arriving on particular types of visas which have an impact on the degree of income and housing support and assistance which can be accessed.  The many hurdles refugees and migrants face on initial settlement in Australia were discussed, as were the options and pathways around them.

The Summit concluded with “The Great Debate” moderated by Phillip Adams, with speakers including Professor Hurriyet Babacan, Professor Kenneth Wiltshire, Margaret Wenham, Jill Lang, Susan Booth and Andrew Bartlett debating the topic “Multiculturalism is dead: Long live social inclusion”. 

Papers presented at the Multicultural Summit can be accessed at http://www.eccq.com.au/default.asp?contentID=960. 

-Kate Langdon-