We advocate
Our advocacy campaigns recognise that our democracy is owned by the people, and that representative leaders – although in a privileged position of power – must listen to us and act on our concerns. Our campaigns also recognise that authentic voices of lived experience provide expertise beyond the scope of campaign managers or elected officials, and they must lead delegations.
The 2023 Multicultural NSW Renewal campaign advocated for the renewal of emergency relief funding for temporary visa holders. This funding, although branded “emergency relief”, in truth provided the resources to adequately service vulnerable people seeking asylum with financial assistance, medical support, housing support and the costs of day-to-day life.
Although responsibility for this support undoubtedly lies with the Commonwealth, the NSW State Government stepped in over the past two years to provide this critical assistance. This funding needed to continue, otherwise thousands of people across greater Sydney would be left on the precipice of destitution in the middle of winter. House of Welcome understood this was only a temporary measure, and agreed with state representatives to move campaign activity to federal officials long-term.
House of Welcome engaged one-third of the NSW Parliament during this campaign. Our delegations targeted representatives in several identified categories:
location of electorate in proximity to the crisis
location of electorate in proximity to HoW service delivery
parliamentary responsibilities
personal connections
expressed values and issues of support.
Frontline House of Welcome staff were invaluable in expressing the crisis and the urgency of the funding in delegations across Sydney, and in NSW Parliament House.