annual report 2010 –2011 - Multicultural Development Association

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… making a difference
5 Advocacy
MDA promotes the rights and interests of people from refugee and culturally and linguistically
diverse (CALD) backgrounds through systemic advocacy. Our vision is to address barriers and
challenges impeding their equitable access to services and participation in order to achieve
systemic reform.
Systemic advocacy is about changing and influencing policies, laws, programs and systems. We
use evidence based advocacy to achieve systemic change at the local, state and national levels.
Influencing the policy process
In the last 12 months, nine comprehensive submissions were lodged to consultations and
inquiries at the state and federal level. MDA’s submissions have been extremely well received and
we have used these as a platform through which to engage politicians and state/commonwealth
government departments, and to develop strong bi-partisan relationships with Members of
Parliament around systemic issues for refugees and migrants.
The introduction of Queensland Multicultural Policy and Recognition
Legislation.
A sustained collaborative advocacy effort in partnership with Multicultural Affairs Queensland
has helped to achieve:
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the introduction of Queensland’s first ever Multicultural Legislation
the establishment of a Queensland Settlement Planning Council
the implementation of a statewide anti-racism campaign
provision of more occupation specific English language training
increased translated information online
development of school based initiatives for refugee students around their learning, social
and psychological needs
improved cultural competence of Queensland Government staff
improved processes for input to the Queensland Police Service for CALD communities
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the establishment of Regional Police Ethnic Advisory Groups (PEAG) in 2012
MULTICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION | ANNUAL REPORT | 2010 – 2011
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