Western Australia’s Charter of Multiculturalism

The Western Australian Charter of Multiculturalism outlines the State Government’s commitment to the principles of multiculturalism.

The Charter recognises that Western Australians come from different linguistic, religious and ethnic backgrounds.
It aims to promote an inclusive society where equal opportunity and mutual respect encourage full participation.

Principles

The four principles that underpin the Charter are:

Civic values

Upholding respect for the dignity and freedom of all members of society and for the legal, social and political institutions of the country and State

Fairness

Promoting government policies that are free from prejudice and discrimination on the grounds of origins, perceived race, culture, religion, ethnicity and nationality

Equality

Ensuring equal opportunity so all members of society can achieve their full potential

Participation

Encouraging the full and equitable participation of all people irrespective of origins, culture, ethnicity or nationality

Objectives

• Encourage a sense of Australian identity and belonging for all members of our multicultural society
• Ensure laws and policies afford all individuals equal and appropriate treatment and protection irrespective of origins, perceived ‘race’, culture, religion and nationality
• Facilitate inclusion and empowerment of all community members in social, political, cultural and economic life and remove all barriers to equal participation
• Foster recognition and appreciation of the achievements and contributions of Western Australians from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

The Western Australian Charter of Multiculturalism may be downloaded from the Office of Multicultural Interests' website at http://www.omi.wa.gov.au