Recommendations on advertising equity, digital sustainability, and government engagement seen as key to strengthening social cohesion.
Independent Multicultural Media Australia (IMMA) welcomes the findings of the Victorian Multicultural Review, and its report, Rebuilding Trust – For a Multicultural Victoria.
The report can usher a watershed shift in Victoria’s multicultural policy, especially if the recommendations on independent multicultural media are enacted.
Rebuilding Trust – For a Multicultural Victoria recognised that support for independent multicultural media is essential in building social cohesion and civic participation across our state.
The review by George Lekakis AO and his advisory team – Dr Hass Dellal AO, Miriam Suss AOM, Carmel Guerra OAM, and Mark Duckworth PSM – can strengthen social cohesion at a time when extremist views strain local communities.
Independent multicultural media as essential public interest journalism has run too long, with minimal sustained support. IMMA’s members play an essential role in ensuring communities have rightful access to news, emergency updates, and civic information in-language, as well as in English across generations in a culturally relevant way.
We commend the Advisory Group for highlighting the need for a renewed multicultural policy framework grounded in access, equity, and inclusion, and for acknowledging the importance of our media ecology in countering misinformation while providing forums for respectful debate.
We support the recommendations that:
- Government advertising spend must be more transparently reviewed and equitably allocated, with caps on digital tech giants to ensure independent multicultural media is properly included in campaigns.
- A dedicated Digital Transformation and Sustainability Fund is required to strengthen the digital capacity, skills, and income pathways of multicultural media outlets, many of which operate with small but highly committed teams.
- A whole-of-government communication strategy is essential to ensure multicultural media is fully integrated into emergency messaging, health communication, and civic engagement.
- Government should formalise a community engagement advisory role for multicultural media and IMMA alongside not-for-profit organisations.
IMMA and its members are ready to work with the Victorian Government to implement these recommendations. With appropriate and sustained support, independent multicultural media will continue to play a central role in building an inclusive, informed, and connected Victoria.
We thank George Lekakis and the Advisory Group for their recognition in relation to our media ecology and urge government to act decisively to ensure these recommendations are translated into meaningful policy and funding commitments.
Comments attributable to IMMA Board and Publisher Members:
Fotis Kapetopoulos, Secretary of IMMA.
“IMMA members play a vital role in public interest journalism, providing facts, opinion, and forums for debate, in diverse languages and English. We maintain values such as, respect, respect for the law and cohesion.”
Marina Yuksel, Chief Operations Manager, Australian Jewish News
“Independent journalism is fundamental to multicultural media, ensuring diverse communities are represented with accuracy and integrity. IMMA’s support is vital in sustaining this mission.”
Neeraj Nanda, Publisher & Editor, South Asia Times
“Multicultural media is a strong pillar of the Australian press landscape. Its role in connecting multicultural communities to mainstream Australia is of great importance. Hence, any government policy to support the multicultural media will create a cohesive ambience in society.”
Clyde Salumu Sharady, CEO, Africa Media Australia
“Independent multicultural media outlets are vital for the wellbeing of new and emerging communities in Victoria, and the government must find sustainable ways to support them beyond the usual competitive funding frameworks.”
For Media Enquiries contact Fotis Kapetopoulos on 0413 445 287 or admin@imma.com.au