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

THE HON TONY BURKE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MANAGER OF OPPOSITION BUSINESS
MEMBER FOR WATSON

MEDIA RELEASE
 

MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITIES URGED TO SEND ABBOTT A MESSAGE

Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michelle Rowland and Shadow Minister for Finance, Tony Burke have today launched a website so the community can send Tony Abbott a message to reverse his cruel cuts to multicultural organisations.

The website – www.ISupportCommunities.com – calls on the Abbott Government to reverse its decision to cut $11.5 million from the Building Multicultural Communities Program which has left communities around the country in funding limbo.

Ms Rowland said the Abbott Government’s decision to cut $11.5 million from the program was a disgrace and would have an adverse impact on the community.

“Tony Abbott has cruelly cut grants to organisations that work to maintain cohesive and socially inclusive neighborhoods across 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 Burke encouraged communities right around Australia to share this website and help pressure Tony Abbott to reverse his cruel cuts to multicultural organisations.

“These organisations are backed up by volunteers who help people every day and especially when government services fall short,” Mr Burke said.

“Community organisations form the heart of our towns and cities and bring people together to share in and celebrate our cultural heritage.

“We call on the Abbott Government to release the funds that have been approved to organisations around Australia to let them continue doing the great work they do in our community.”

WEDNESDAY, 5 MARCH 2014