MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURALISM
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

THE HON CHRIS BOWEN MP
SHADOW TREASURER
MEMBER FOR MCMAHON

MEDIA RELEASE
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ABBOTT ATTACKS MCMAHON COMMUNITY WITH CRUEL CUTS

Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michelle Rowland and Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen have today met with communities in Western Sydney who have been impacted by the Abbott Government’s cuts to multicultural funding.

Organisations impacted include the Assyrian Resource Centre (ARC) in Fairfield which has had their fully budgeted grant of $150,000 cut.

Ms Rowland said the Abbott Government’s decision to rip $11.5 million from the Building Multicultural Communities Program was a disgrace and would have an adverse impact on the community.

“Tony Abbott and Kevin Andrews have cruelly cut grants to organisations that work to maintain cohesive and socially inclusive neighborhoods in the very diverse western Sydney region and regions right around the country,” Ms Rowland said.

“The best way that governments can help build inclusive, harmonious communities is from the bottom up, by supporting grassroots programs like this.”

Mr Bowen said he was disappointed that the Assyrian Resource Centre has had its approved funding snatched away by the Abbott Government.

“The ARC provides an essential service to the local Assyrian community, many of whom are from a refugee background,” Mr Bowen said.

“These cuts will directly affect newly arrived families that depend on such services to help them integrate into Australian society.”

Ms Rowland also encouraged the community to send Tony Abbott a message about his cuts to multicultural organisations by visiting www.ISupportCommunities.com.