MHIMA blog

Latest update from Frank Quinlan, CEO Mental Health Australia: 

On Thursday 15 September 2016, I was pleased to attend the launch of a new report by our friends at the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia’s (FECCA), ‘Australia’s Growing Linguistic Diversity: An opportunity for a strategic approach to language services policy and practice’. 

The report provides an analysis of FECCA’s consultation and research to develop an evidence base on language service provision in new and emerging community languages, that is, languages spoken by individuals who came to Australia as humanitarian entrants over recent years. 

Quality language services are of critical importance in our diverse society, and can improve access to services, enhance community connections, and support better health outcomes. Accredited language services also play a key role in ensuring safety and quality in service provision, and access to one’s fundamental rights, particularly in the health and legal domains.  

Responsiveness to the diversity of Australian society must remain a key priority across all human services, including in the mental health sector. FECCA’s recommendations provide vital direction and a considered path forward for responding to our linguistic diversity, particularly for new and emerging communities. Please visit their website for links to the full report and executive summary.