Community feedback

Community feedback is central to government identifying and understanding barriers to clients accessing their programs and services. It helps government agencies keep up with the needs, circumstances and experiences of Australia’s diverse and evolving population.

In developing this report, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) sought feedback from the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) and the Australian Human Rights Commission on barriers facing the three culturally diverse client groups that are the particular focus of this report: older Australians, women and Humanitarian Program entrants. More information on consultations and other issues relevant to these organisations are on their websites at:
www.fecca.org.au
www.refugeecouncil.org.au
www.humanrights.gov.au

DIAC’s community liaison officers and their extensive community networks, based in all states and territories, also contributed their knowledge on access and equity. They used consultative mechanisms, such as Local Settlement Planning Committees and similar forums, and liaison with other networks such as Centrelink Multicultural Advisory Committees.

This feedback detailed a wide range of issues for consideration by agencies, which will inform DIAC’s 2009 access and equity discussions with other government departments. Outlined below are the key issues identified through these consultations for the client groups noted above, issues that need to be considered in program design and service delivery by agencies.It is also important to acknowledge actions already taken by government in response to some of the issues detailed.

• Older Australians
• Women
• Humanitarian Program entrants