DELEGATES from the Ballarat African Association have visited State Parliament, speaking to government figures about improving inclusion and lived experiences for African and indigenous Australians.<\/p>\n
Touring the space, the group sat down for a long lunch to ask questions of Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne, member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, member for Buninyong Michaela Settle, member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur, and shadow treasurer Louise Staley.<\/p>\n
Dr Michael Akindeju said the meeting was \u201cvital\u201d to understanding whether the government is committed to ending racial discrimination and stereotyping.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis visit was the first time, at that level, that we didn\u2019t feel stereotyped. I was keen to observe interactions between MPs and delegates, and I really felt there\u2019s been a shift,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe really did feel welcomed. It was warm and cordial, and even the kids felt they were loved. The invitation was genuine.\u201d<\/p>\n
With ten items to discuss on BAA\u2019s agenda, Mr Andrews said the group should be proud of what they\u2019re achieving, transforming attitudes.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe knew a lot about things we\u2019re doing, having positive traction with visible outcomes. It was impressive,\u201d Dr Akindeju said.<\/p>\n
\u201cJuliana Addison and Michaela Settle sat with us and there are a few things that they can handle, so it was very positive.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are issues on our list that we feel should be handled by the Federal government, so those have been identified and a meeting with the current Federal member is organised.\u201d<\/p>\n
BAA was launched in 2006, focused on removing stereotypes for African Australians.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people have a special identity, they have the capacity to contribute largely to the economy,\u201d Dr Akindeju said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom research, we know that you can\u2019t be what you can\u2019t see, so we\u2019re pushing to showcase the excellence and achievements of our professionals and working class, as opposed to the minority causing troubles across Victoria.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are still problems and issues to solve but we\u2019re pushing above our weight with GDP and economic contributions, so we want to showcase our business people.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DELEGATES from the Ballarat African Association have visited State Parliament, speaking to government figures about improving inclusion and lived experiences for African and indigenous Australians. Touring the space, the group sat down for a long lunch to ask questions of Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Richard Wynne, member for Wendouree Juliana Addison, member […]<\/p>\n