The ACT is proudly a multicultural and inclusive community. With one in four Canberrans born overseas, diversity in our community is our strength.
The contributions of our multicultural communities are felt in every corner of our city—from community celebrations and major events like the National Multicultural Festival, to the richness we all experience every day in the language, history, music and food of cultures shared and celebrated in the ACT.
As a city and as a people, we are committed to multiculturalism. But we know that multiculturalism is a shared responsibility. The development of a Multicultural Recognition Act signifies – and formalise in legislation – the value that we as a community place on multiculturalism in the ACT.
It will create a Multicultural Charter, codifying key principles of a successful multicultural society; enshrine into law the Multicultural Advisory Council; and provide reporting mechanisms to ensure accountability to these principles.
This legislation should be proudly owned by the entire ACT community. The views of all Canberrans on this important work are not only valued, but critical to its success. I encourage all Canberrans to contribute to the development of this Act.
To find out how to participate go to the YourSay website.
A discussion paper: Towards a Multicultural Recognition Act for the Australian Capital Territory has been launch today. It forms the basis for community consultation during April and early May to inform the development of this significant piece of legislation during 2021.
This is an opportunity to further raise the prominence of the multicultural community and promote the rights of everyone to participate in the social, economic and cultural life of our city.
Outlined as a key commitment in the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement for the 10th Legislative Assembly, the ACT Multicultural Recognition Act will:
- create a Multicultural Charter, outlining key principles that underpin a successful multicultural community in the ACT
- formally enshrine into law the Multicultural Advisory Council, which serves as a crucial link between Canberra's culturally diverse communities, the ACT Government and the wider community
- provide reporting mechanisms against the Multicultural Framework to ensure accountability back to the community
Quote attributable ACT Multicultural Advisory Council chair, Dr Kirk Zwangonbani
"The Council welcomes the commitment the ACT Government has made to developing and implementing this important piece of legislation and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them as it progresses.
