Liverpool has always embraced new and emerging migrant communities. That is why I referred to our community landscape as a layer cake during my inaugural speech in this place: because of the visible and remarkable impact that each community has made on Liverpool, culturally and economically. The 2021 census indicated that there are about 400,000 Australians of African heritage, with almost 5,000 living in the Liverpool local government area. Their ancestry spans nations including Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, Ghana, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya and more. It is important to highlight the diversity of experiences that members of the African diaspora bring, as the African continent is not a homogenous monolith, and neither are its people. African Australians are part of every aspect of our community life. They run businesses, work in our hospitals and schools, create art and music, and lead local organisations. Their histories, languages and faith traditions add depth to the stories of Liverpool and of New South Wales.
Recently, representatives from across the breadth of the African diaspora in Liverpool met with the Premier and me to share their experiences, outline priorities and discuss the opportunities and challenges facing African Australians today. The meeting covered several important topics, most notably employment and skills, young people, and the community's ambition for a central hub. We know that meaningful employment is important for psychological wellbeing. An article by Hyacinth Udah, published earlier this year in the Journal of Intercultural Studies, found that African immigrants in Australia "have significantly worse labour market outcomes and trajectories" relative to their European- or Asian-descended counterparts.
That article identifies several factors that impact the labour market success of African Australians, including lack of language proficiency, non‑recognition of overseas qualifications and lack of social networks. The article utilised a qualitative method to identify barriers to success for African migrants in Australia. One participant cited was Brian. Before coming to Australia, Brian was a qualified veterinarian. He was profoundly disappointed to learn that his qualifications were not considered equivalent to Australian standards. He said:
They probably believe that our qualifications back home are not as good as what they have here in Australia. So, it does affect people.
For many participants, the non-recognition of their qualifications limited their employment opportunities and undermined their professional identities. Something that came through clearly in the feedback from the community representatives the Premier and I met was the keen desire to contribute constructively and positively to their new home. It is a struggle that is well known in many migrant communities. Settlement Services International is running the Activate Australia's Skills campaign. Its blueprint would establish a single national governance system including an ombudsman, reduce red tape around the recognition of qualifications, remove barriers of cost and information through financial support and an online portal, and set up migrant employment pathway hubs to get qualified people working in their professions again. It would help to address the billions of dollars the Australian economy loses in not enabling these professionals to work in their fields effectively.
Another issue covered by the meeting is the interactions of African Australian young people with our youth justice system. I note the Minister for Youth Justice is present in the Chamber. As the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Justice, something close to my heart is our need to ensure that young people avoid contact with the system as much possible in the first place. The report We Belong Here: Framework for Human Rights and Equity for Australians of African Descent by the African Australian Advocacy Centre stated:
… young people of African descent remain overrepresented in youth justice and immigration detention and report experiences of hyper-policing in their communities.
No doubt members of this place are aware of the moral panic when the Liberal-Nationals Federal Government of 2018 decided it was politically expedient to fearmonger over a supposed African gang problem in Melbourne, which has led to long-term experiences of face-to-face and online racism. The various representatives from multiple community organisations in Liverpool envision a hub that unites culture, learning, employment and civic participation. To make the hub a reality, the African community in Liverpool needs a strong partner. I thank all who contributed to the meeting with the Premier. Their dedication highlights the unity and promise of this initiative. I thank the Premier for his keen engagement in this initiative. I look forward to working with them all.
