Aged care services should be adapted to suit the needs of new and emerging ethnic communities, according to a peak multicultural lobby group.
The Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) appealed to Victorian and federal budget decision-makers to commit to better support for ethnic groups.
In a discussion paper, Building New Bridges, launched by Health Minister David Davis at Broadmeadows last week, the ECCV called on governments and the aged-care sector to strengthen their engagement with new and emerging communities in Victoria.
It cited a growing proportion of older people from new and emerging communities who lack access to culturally responsive services. ECCV deputy chairwoman Marion Lau said the discussion paper aimed to help close service gaps with innovative solutions.
“Building New Bridges is about reaching out, engaging, and partnering with new and emerging communities,” Ms Lau said.
“The three symbolic pillars of such bridges are multicultural communities, government, and aged care and health services. We believe working closely together is essential in improving access to services for this growing proportion of our community.
“The number of older people from new and emerging communities is significant – about 100,000 people aged 55 and over belong to new and emerging communities in Victoria.”
Mr Davis acknowledged the wider implications of providing for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
“Right now in Victoria, we know there is growing need for services for seniors in these communities,” Mr Davis said. “I hope this discussion paper generates wider consultation, community engagement and more partnership … at every level.”
The ECCV also calls on all political parties to uphold the principles of the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011. These focus on the three Rs of social justice and cultural diversity, outlined as:
■ Redistribution of resources to improve fair and equitable access for Victoria’s large multicultural population;
■ Recognition of culturally diverse Victorians through real service responses to their cultural and language needs; and
■ Representation by giving a voice to culturally diverse Victorians.
