Category: Media Release

Media Releases from CCCAV

  • CCCAV Statement on Fairness and Equal Belonging (关于公平与平等归属感的声明)

    CCCAV Statement on Fairness and Equal Belonging (关于公平与平等归属感的声明)

    Media Release

    CCCAV Statement on Fairness and Equal Belonging

    5 September 2026

    Recent public discussion arising from media reporting about a prominent and respected Chinese-Australian interpreter who has served Australia, diverse communities and successive Australian governments over many decades has prompted concern and unease within our community. The discussion has also highlighted broader concerns about how Australians of Chinese heritage may be viewed with suspicion because of their cultural background and connections, regardless of their contributions and service to Australia.

    While public scrutiny of potential security risks is both legitimate and necessary, many Chinese Australians are concerned when cultural, academic, professional or community connections are portrayed in ways that may imply suspicion or divided loyalty without evidence. Such narratives risk creating fear that ordinary cultural, academic, professional and community engagement may be unfairly interpreted as evidence of divided loyalty, leaving some Chinese Australians feeling that they are viewed with suspicion because of their cultural background rather than their conduct, contributions and long service to Australia.

    The Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) supports Australia’s national security institutions and recognises the importance of protecting our country from foreign interference and other security threats. At the same time, we believe concerns about any individual should be based on evidence and conduct, not assumptions arising from ethnicity, ancestry or lawful associations. Australia’s multicultural success has been built on fairness, mutual respect and the understanding that people from different backgrounds can participate fully in a shared national community while maintaining pride in their cultural heritage.

    Australians of Chinese heritage should not be expected to continually demonstrate their loyalty. Any expectation that Australians demonstrate their loyalty because of their ethnicity, ancestry or cultural connections is not only unfair, it undermines the principle of equal belonging and fosters an environment that has no place in a fair and inclusive society. It also risks sending the message that some Australians are afforded a lesser sense of belonging and are held to a different standard of acceptance than others.

    Equal belonging means that no Australian should face suspicion because of their background, and that the same presumption of good faith, respect and inclusion should apply to everyone.

  • Chinese‑Australian Community Stands Firm for a Multicultural Australia | 澳华社区坚定捍卫多元文化的澳大利亚

    Chinese‑Australian Community Stands Firm for a Multicultural Australia | 澳华社区坚定捍卫多元文化的澳大利亚

    Media Release

    Chinese‑Australian Community Stands Firm for a Multicultural Australia

    18 June 2026

    The Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV), together with the undersigned organisations, is deeply concerned by recent remarks promoting a so‑called “monocultural Australia.”

    Australia is, and has always been, a nation shaped by diversity. From the traditions and custodianship of First Nations peoples to generations of migrants from across the world, our shared history reflects a rich and evolving multicultural identity.

    Calls for a “monocultural Australia” are not only historically unfounded, but also risk echoing the White Australia Policy, which is incompatible with the values, diversity, and shared identity of modern Australia.

    For decades, multiculturalism has been central to Australia’s identity and success. It has strengthened our economy, enriched our cultural life, and fostered a cohesive society grounded in mutual respect. Millions of Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including Chinese Australians, contribute every day as professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare workers, and community volunteers.

    We firmly uphold the principles of inclusion, respect, and equal opportunity for all Australians, regardless of cultural background, faith, or place of birth. These principles define our national identity and underpin Australia’s success.

    We note and support the position expressed by the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), which rightly highlights that Australia has never been a monocultural society and that such narratives risk dividing communities and undermining social cohesion.

    At a time when unity and shared purpose are essential, public discourse must remain grounded in respect, evidence, and a commitment to bringing people together rather than pulling them apart.

    We stand with all Australians in affirming that:

    • Cultural diversity is a strength and a shared national asset.
    • Multiculturalism is a core pillar of Australia’s identity and success.
    • True social cohesion is built through inclusion, respect, and mutual understanding, not exclusion.

    We will continue to work alongside communities, government, and civil society to firmly uphold and defend multiculturalism, reject exclusionary narratives, and safeguard Australia as an inclusive, cohesive, and welcoming multicultural nation, where everyone, regardless of cultural heritage, is respected and has the opportunity to thrive.

    Co-signed by:

    • Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)
    • Chinese Australian Multicultural Association (CAMA)
    • Chinese Australian Accord (CAA)
    • Chinese Australians for Peace Association (CAPA)
    • Fair Go South Australia (FairGo SA)

    (Please contact cccav.committee@gmail.com to co-sign this statement)

    Ref:

  • CCCAV Calls for Fairness and Inclusion in Migration Policy Debate

    CCCAV Calls for Fairness and Inclusion in Migration Policy Debate

    Media Release

    CCCAV Calls for Fairness and Inclusion in Migration Policy Debate

    17 May 2026

    Recent proposed migration and welfare policy changes have raised concerns among multicultural communities across Australia. This comes amid a broader trend that has emerged in recent years of increasingly negative rhetoric surrounding migration, including narratives that unfairly blame migrants.

    Under the proposal, access to a range of welfare programs—including JobSeeker and the NDIS—would be restricted to Australian citizens, excluding permanent residents and other non-citizens.

    Community leaders have warned that such measures risk creating division, reinforcing an “us versus them” narrative, and undermining the sense of belonging, at a time when social cohesion is more important than ever.

    Permanent residents are fully contributing members of Australian society—they work, pay taxes, and contribute to the economy and communities, just as citizens do, and should have fair and equitable access to essential support services.

    Australia’s strength lies in its diversity and multiculturalism. Policies should recognise the contributions of all members of society and promote unity, fairness, and inclusion.

    CCCAV encourages constructive dialogue and meaningful engagement with multicultural communities to ensure policies are evidence-based, reflect the foundations that have made Australia strong and cohesive, and contribute to a fairer and more prosperous Australia.

    Ref:

  • Chinese-Australian Community Unequivocally Condemns the Bondi Beach Terrorist Attack

    Chinese-Australian Community Unequivocally Condemns the Bondi Beach Terrorist Attack

    MEDIA RELEASE

    Chinese-Australian Community Unequivocally Condemns the Bondi Beach Terrorist Attack

    14 December 2025

    Tonight, we mourn and stand with the families of the victims of the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. This senseless act claimed at least 11 innocent lives and injured many during what should have been a time of joy and celebration. Our hearts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and the Jewish community in Sydney and across Australia.

    The Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) and the undersigned organisations unequivocally condemns this horrific act of violence, extremism, and hatred. As a multicultural society, we must stand together against violence, extremism, and hatred in all its forms. We expresse our unwavering solidarity with the Jewish community in this difficult time and calls on all communities to respond with calm, unity, and compassion.

    We commend the bravery of first responders and the kindness of those who assisted in the aftermath. Their actions remind us of the strength that comes from caring for one another.

    In this time of grief, let us reaffirm our shared values of peace, respect, and inclusion. We urge everyone to support those who are vulnerable, reject divisive rhetoric, and work together to ensure that such acts of terror never define who we are and never happen again.

    Let us honour the memory of the victims by building bridges, not walls—by fostering understanding and harmony among all Australians.

    Co-signed by:

    • Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)
    • Chinese Australian Multicultural Association (CAMA)
    • Chinese Australian Accord (CAA)
    • Chinese Australians for Peace Association (CAPA)
    • Fair Go South Australia (FairGo SA)

  • CCCAV Condemns the Attack on First Nations Site Camp Sovereignty

    MEDIA RELEASE

    CCCAV Condemns the Attack on First Nations Site Camp Sovereignty

    2 September 2025

    The Chinese Community Council of Australia (Victoria Chapter) is deeply disturbed and outraged by the violent and unprovoked attack on Camp Sovereignty at Kings Domain in Melbourne, a sacred and peaceful First Nations site, by a group of far-right demonstrators on Sunday 31 August 2025 following the “March for Australia” rally.

    This appalling act of aggression left four people injured, including two women who were hospitalised with head injuries, according to a joint statement from Camp Sovereignty and the Black Peoples Union. Witnesses reported that the attackers, some carrying sticks and flagpoles, stormed the camp, assaulted women, and desecrated cultural symbols, including burning the Aboriginal flag.

    We unequivocally condemn this targeted violence, which is not only an attack on individuals but also an assault on the cultural heritage, dignity, and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Such actions are unacceptable and have no place in a modern Australia where diversity is celebrated, cultural heritage is respected, and every person has the right to live in safety and dignity.

    Everyone in this country should feel safe, respected, and free from fear—regardless of their cultural background or identity. The protection of all cultural and sacred sites, and the safety of people who care for them, must remain a commitment by the authorities. Hate and extremism must never be allowed to divide our communities.

    We stand in unwavering solidarity with the First Nations community and reaffirm our commitment to reconciliation, respect, and justice. We call on authorities to take immediate and decisive action to hold those perpetrators accountable and to ensure the protection of all cultural and sacred sites and the safety of those who safeguard them.

    We will not be silent in the face of intimidation and violence. Our shared future depends on unity, not division; on respect, not hate. Together, we must work towards a future built on mutual respect, understanding, and unity.

    Email: cccav.committee@gmail.com | Web: https://cccav.org.au/

    CCCAV Media Release – CCCAV Condemns the Attack on First Nations Site Camp Sovereignty – 20250902Download

  • CCCAV Condemns Islamophobia and All Forms of Racism

    MEDIA RELEASE

    CCCAV Condemns Islamophobia and All Forms of Racism

    12 June 2025

    We are deeply disturbed by the Islamophobic attack on two Muslim women at Epping Plaza earlier this year, as well as the recent racist demonstration at Northland Shopping Centre. These incidents are not isolated; they reflect a troubling rise in public displays of hate and intolerance. Such acts are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need for continued vigilance and collective action against all forms of racism and bigotry.

    We unequivocally condemn both the violence and the hateful rhetoric, standing in solidarity with the Muslim community, the African community, and all communities affected by racism and hate. We express our unwavering commitment to combating Islamophobia and any form of racism, and to building a society based on respect, inclusion, and human dignity.

    We are also gravely concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has led to immense human suffering, displacement, and tragic loss of life. We join others in calling for a lasting peaceful resolution that upholds the dignity, safety, and human rights of all people in the region.

    We remain committed to working with diverse communities to foster unity, strengthen social cohesion, and build a more inclusive and equitable Australia.

    Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)

    CCCAV Media Release – CCCAV Condemns Islamophobia and All Forms of Racism – 20250612Download

  • Open Letter Requesting an Apology from Senator Jane Hume for Unfair Remarks Targeting Chinese-Australian Volunteers in the 2025 Federal Election

    Open Letter Requesting an Apology from Senator Jane Hume for Unfair Remarks Targeting Chinese-Australian Volunteers in the 2025 Federal Election

    6 May 2025

    The Chinese-Australian community is deeply concerned by the unsubstantiated remarks made by Senator Jane Hume referring Chinese-Australians volunteering for a federal candidate as alleged “Chinese spies”. Her remarks, made on Channel 7’s Sunrise program last week, cast unwarranted suspicion on Chinese-Australian volunteers involved in the 2025 federal election campaign.

    Senator Hume’s public comments, made without evidence, have fostered negative and unfair perceptions that undermine the legitimacy of Chinese-Australian civic engagement. Many individuals in our community, who were exercising their democratic rights as Australian citizens, have found these implications to be both offensive and unjust.

    Suggesting or implying that Chinese-Australians engaging in lawful campaign activity are somehow untrustworthy is not only discriminatory but also detrimental to the principle of equality that is fundamental to the Australian society. Such irresponsible remarks promote racial profiling, undermine the equal status of Chinese-Australians in public life, and discourage civic involvement by fostering an atmosphere of suspicion based solely on cultural background.

    These concerns have been widely echoed by thousands across the Chinese-Australian community, reflecting the profound impact of Senator Hume’s comments.

    The Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV) and co-signatories request Senator Hume to withdraw her remarks and issue a public apology to the Chinese-Australian community. We believe that it is essential for all political leaders to engage responsibly in public discourse and to uphold the principle that every Australian citizen, irrespective of their background, has the right to participate freely and equally in our nation’s democratic process without fear or prejudice.

    Signed: (If you or your organisation would like to co-sign this letter, please send an email to cccav.committee@gmail.com with your full name or the name of your organisation)

    • Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)
    • Chinese Community Council of Australia – NSW
    • Chinese Australians for Peace Association (CAPA)
    • Women Support Inc. (WSI)
    • June Anderson
    • Chinese Australian Multicultural Association (CAMA)
    • Meijuan Hua
    • Hongyong Zhu
    • Kim Wen
    • Jane Wei
    • Victor Kuan
    • Chinese Australian Network Inc. (CAN)
    • The Chinese Australian Studies Forum at RMIT
    • Fair GO South Australia Inc.
    • Chinese Senior’s Education & Skill Development Association Inc.

    公开信的中文译文：

    致简·休姆参议员的公开信:

    要求就针对2025年联邦选举中的澳大利亚华裔志愿者的不公正言论公开道歉

    2025年5月6日

    澳大利亚华人社区对简·休姆参议员发表的毫无根据的言论深感关切。她在上周七号台《Sunrise》节目中，将参与联邦候选人竞选活动的澳大利亚华裔志愿者指控为“中国间谍”，这一言论毫无事实依据，对参与2025年联邦选举的华裔志愿者带来了无端质疑。

    休姆参议员在缺乏任何证据的情况下公开发表此类言论，助长了对华人社区负面且不公正的看法，削弱了华裔澳大利亚人积极参与公民事务的正当性。许多在依法行使民主权利的澳大利亚华人，对这些暗示感到既冒犯又不公正。

    暗示或影射华裔澳大利亚人在参与合法的选举活动时不值得信任，不仅具有歧视性质，还破坏了澳大利亚社会的平等原则。此类不负责任的言论助长了种族定性，损害了华裔澳大利亚人在公共生活中的平等地位，并通过制造基于族裔背景的怀疑氛围，打击了公民的参与热情。

    这一事件在华人社区中引发了强烈反应，成千上万的人对该言论表示愤怒和不满，充分体现了休姆参议员言论所造成的严重负面影响。

    维州澳华社区委员会（CCCAV）及其他联署团体和个人要求休姆参议员撤回其不当言论，并向华人社区公开道歉。我们坚信，所有政治领导人应在公共言论中保持审慎，恪守尊重与包容的原则，确保每一位澳大利亚公民——无论其出身背景如何——都能在无惧与无偏见的环境中自由、平等地参与国家的民主进程。

    • 维州澳华社区委员会 (CCCAV)

    (如果您或贵团体希望联合签署此公开信，请发送电子邮件至cccav.committee@gmail.com，附上您的全名或贵团体名称)

    英文版和最新联署名单参见: https://cccav.org.au/open-letter-requesting-an-apology-from-senator-jane-hume-for-unfair-remarks-targeting-chinese-australian-volunteers-in-the-2025-federal-election/

  • An Open Letter of Support to the Jewish Community

    An Open Letter of Support to the Jewish Community

    31 January 2025

    We, members of the Chinese-Australian community, are writing to express our deepest concern and condemnation of the recent rise in antisemitic incidents in Australia. The disturbing increase in hate crimes, vandalism, and harassment targeting Jewish individuals and institutions is unacceptable and has no place in our society.

    The recent arson attack on a synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, and the discovery of explosives in a caravan in Dural, Sydney, targeting a synagogue, are shocking examples of the hate and violence that we must all stand against.

    As members of the broader Australian community, we understand the importance of standing together against all forms of racism, discrimination, and hate. We stand in solidarity with you and condemn any antisemitism, as well as Islamophobia and all other forms of bigotry. We recognise that an attack on one community is an attack on all communities.

    We also recognise that international conflicts can sometimes strain relationships between communities in Australia. However, we firmly believe that these conflicts must not be allowed to disrupt the harmony and cohesion that our nationwide communities have worked hard to build. We must not let conflicts elsewhere fuel hatred and division here. Instead, we must promote mutual respect, understanding, and inclusion.

    In the face of hatred and intolerance, we must stay united and resolute in our commitment to fighting against all forms of hate and discrimination. We must continue to stand together, supporting one another and work together towards a future where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

    Please know that you are not alone, and we are committed to supporting you in the face of this unacceptable hatred.

    Signed: (If you or your organisation would like to co-sign this letter, please send an email to cccav.committee@gmail.com with your full name or the name of your organisation) 

    • Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter (CCCAV)
    • Chinese Australian Multicultural Association (CAMA)
    • Professor Bingqin Li
    • Bofeng Wu

  • Australia Day: A Time for Listening, Reflection and Reconciliation

    MEDIA RELEASE

    Australia Day: A Time for Listening, Reflection and Reconciliation

    26 January 2025

    On Australia Day, we share in the pride that many Australians feel, celebrating our national identity, pride, community, and values like respect, rule of law, equality, fairness. We proudly call Australia home and celebrate its beauty, diversity, and opportunities.

    However, we also recognise that this day is a painful reminder of historical injustices and ongoing disparities for First Nations people. As members of the Chinese-Australian community, we understand the complex history of our nation and the need for reconciliation, healing, and self-determination for First Nations people.

    Australia Day presents an opportunity for us to reflect on our shared humanity, appreciate the resilience and contributions of First Nations people, and consider how we can work together towards reconciliation, healing and prosperity. This requires genuine respect, active listening, and a willingness to learn from and understand each other.

    By embracing our shared identity as Australians while also understanding the complexities of Australia’s history, we can foster greater understanding, respect, and reconciliation. Together, we can work towards a future of greater unity, celebration, and shared progress. A future where we honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of all Australians, including our First Nations people.

    (Chinese Community Council of Australia, Victoria Chapter)

    CCCAV Media Release – Australia Day – A Time for Listening, Reflection and Reconciliation – 20250126Download

  • CCCAV Condemns the Arson Attack on a Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne

    MEDIA RELEASE

    CCCAV Condemns the Arson Attack on a Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne

    6 December 2024

    We, at the Chinese Community Council of Australia (Victoria Chapter), are deeply shocked and saddened by the recent arson attack on the synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne. We strongly condemn this abhorrent act of antisemitism and violence.

    We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, acknowledging the trauma, fear, and distress that this attack has caused. We recognise that an attack on one community is an attack on all communities.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community during this difficult time. We offer our heartfelt support as you heal and recover from this traumatic incident..

    We are committed to working together with all communities to reject hate and promote understanding, inclusivity, and kindness, and to build a safer and more harmonious society for all.

    CCCAV Media Release – CCCAV Condemns the Arson Attack on a Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne – 20241206Download