The 1978 Galbally Review of post arrival programs and services for migrants set the scene for the establishment of the Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia (FECCA) in 1979. The report focused on migrant community concerns over the lack of equity in accessing education, employment, communication, legal and social services that particularly highlighted the inequalities in the labour market. A range of recommendations were documented, including the recommendation that ethniic communities themselves had a vital role to play in advancing multiculturalism in Australia.

FECCA boasts a number of achievements but its strength lies in the number of key advocacy activities that include:

• The need for affordable translating and interpreting services,
• The need for English language services, adult migrant English programs and training and retraining programs,
• Recognition of overseas qualifications,
• The elimination of racial discrimination in any form,
• The need for media services to meet the needs of our diverse population, including SBS television and radio, community radio and multilingual media organisations throughout Australia,
• A non-discriminatory immigration policy,
• A balanced immigration program with particular emphasis on family reunion and humanitarian entrants,
• The abolition of the two-year waiting period for migrants to access social security benefits,
• Inclusive social policies, promotion of multiculturalism, and acceptance of cultural, linguistic and faith diversity,
• Strong social justice policies,
• The benefits of productive diversity by recognising and capitalising on our culturally and linguistically diverse workforce.