The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) Australia has been officially thanked for its valuable contribution to the Parliament of Australia, Joint Standing Committee on Migration report on the ‘Inquiry into Migration and Multiculturalism in Australia’ based on its written submission.
The Committee Chair, Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, tabled the report in the Australian House of Representatives on Monday 18 March 2013. You can read the full report by clicking HERE.
UMD Australia’s Director of Australian Outreach Mr. Ordan Andreevski explained that the ‘Inquiry into Migration and Multiculturalism in Australia’ was a unique opportunity to convey UMD’s views on a range of important and timely issues that were part of the terms of reference. “In particular, we are pleased that the report has picked up on important recommendations that UMD has made in relation to the need for improved formal conceptual definitions of Diasporas as well as the need for more investment in data and research on Diasporas and their contribution to Australia’s productive capacity and its place in the world”.
“UMD recognises the potential of diaspora communities to enhance Australia’s international relations, and thus recommended that all diaspora communities in Australia be formally recognised as legitimate stakeholders in the formation and delivery of Australian foreign policy” noted Andreevski.
UMD has been working actively to shape national, parliamentary and policy debates in Australia on a range of important contemporary policy and research issues. These include Australian Research Council projects on ‘Diasporas in Australia: Current and Potential Links with their Homeland’ and ways to improve the bilateral relations between Australia and Macedonia.
UMD has also made submissions to the Australian Parliament on strategies to increase the impact of Australia’s Overseas Representation and to improve the Effectiveness of Australia’s International Development Assistance Program.
Are you planning to attend our Gala in Honour of Foreign Minister Bob Carr on 5 July 2013 in Sydney? Click HERE for more details.