The Queensland Police Service's (QPS) Culturally and Linguistic Diverse (CALD) Consultative Group has met for the first time this year, with the purpose of strengthening organisational cultural capability and to better assist the diverse needs of Queensland's multicultural community.
Originally formed in 2021, current membership of the CALD Consultative Group is made up of 16 members from all parts of Queensland, and from varied roles and diverse cultural backgrounds and faiths.
The CALD Consultative group currently represents 7 different faiths, more than 20 cultural backgrounds and collectively the group speak more than 26 different languages.
Acting Inspector Honeywood of the First Nations and Multicultural Affairs Unit (FNMAU) said the CALD Consultative Group contributes to positive and culturally inclusive workplaces, and overall increases cultural awareness within the QPS.
"Members of the CALD group share valuable insight on important policies to ensure a culturally responsive police service," she said.
"This year we received such overwhelming interest in people nominating to participate in the CALD Consultative Group. We call for nominations for CALD Consultative Group membership on an annual basis which allows a greater number of QPS members to contribute to positive change for the Service.
"I look forward to seeing what this group will achieve throughout their tenure."
CALD consultative group meetings involve members consulting on multicultural affairs and considering ways to establish opportunities for organisational improvement to further drive cultural inclusion within the QPS.
From these discussions, advice is provided to the QPS regarding strengths as well as improvements for the organisation.
In the first meeting of 2023, the group's key area of focus was strengthening the QPS Multicultural Network and enhancing culturally responsive support services for QPS members.
Previous initiatives of the CALD Consultative Group includes the establishment of the QPS Multicultural Network, the QPS Calendar of Culturally Significant Events and commencement of separations interviews for First Nations and CALD employees who have voluntarily separated from the QPS.
These initiatives aim to improve the support, advocacy and retention of diverse employees within the QPS.
The group will meet bi-monthly with a focus on contributing to healthy, safe, inclusive and positive workplaces.
