Essays
AUGUST 2022 - NARRATIVE #9
‘You can’t be what you can’t see’ - The participation of migrant communities in Australia’s political system
While the recent federal election resulted in a slight increase in cultural diversity amongst our elected parliamentarians, overwhelmingly those who seek to wield power and represent the nation still come from Anglo-Celtic and European backgrounds.
This situation raises many questions: Why is it the case? Is it a problem? What are the prospects of achieving a democracy truly representing Australia’s diverse population?
The in-depth analysis presents the views of leading researchers, academics and political commentators, along with the lived experiences of people from culturally diverse backgrounds who’ve served or are currently working in our political system.
OCTOBER 2024 - NARRATIVE #13
Lost in translation: Having a baby in Australia when English isn’t your first language
Women, particularly those from marginalised and non-English speaking backgrounds, experience poorer health outcomes due to systemic issues like delayed diagnoses, over-prescription, and inadequate investigation of symptoms. While women tend to live longer than men, they are more prone to chronic conditions and mental health challenges, with the disparities being more severe for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
Pregnancy often serves as a critical entry point into the healthcare system, providing an opportunity for medical professionals to address broader health needs, including preventive care, family planning, and menopause management. However, women from non-English speaking backgrounds face higher risks of complications such as stillbirth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes - further complicating their healthcare experiences.
The narrative calls for more inclusive healthcare delivery to meet the needs of culturally diverse women and improve outcomes beyond reproductive health.
The Beauty Revolution
The ubiquity of smartphones and social media has turbocharged visual culture. With the addition of increasingly sophisticated and affordable cosmetic surgeries, beauty standards are pushed into strange new territories.
