The Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) has welcomed the decision to extend the submission period for the Aged Care Royal Commission to 30 April 2020, because it will provide more opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Australians to tell their stories.
FECCA also welcomes the appointment of former Federal Court judge the Hon. Tony Pagone as the third royal commissioner.
FECCA Chairperson Ms Mary Patetsos said the extension would help more CALD Australians be able to make submissions to the Royal Commission.
"We know that for a whole range of reasons it can be difficult for some people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to make submissions to Royal Commissions," she said.
"These reasons can include language and technology barriers, which is why FECCA launched a resource in July designed to help CALD older Australians and their families and carers tell their stories to the Aged Care Royal Commission in their own language.
"This extension will mean more CALD Australians will be able to use this resource to make submissions to the Royal Commission.
"FECCA also welcomes the appointment of former Federal Court judge the Hon. Tony Pagone as the third royal commissioner.
"Mr Pagone brings a deep understanding of issues facing CALD Australians to the role, as well as experience as a former president of CO.AS.IT - the organisation providing services for Italian migrants in Australian and their descendants."
FECCA is the peak, national body representing Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. FECCA's role is to advocate and promote issues on behalf of its constituency to government, business and the broader community.
