VISION

An inclusive Western Australia where all individuals and groups participate equitably and in a spirit of mutual respect, enriching and developing our society

PURPOSE

To lead the public sector in realising the ideals of multiculturalism, achieving substantive equality for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (cald) backgrounds

OUR COMMITMENT

  • We will focus on the needs of CALD individuals and groups within a multicultural setting;
  • We will establish ways of working collaboratively with communities, government and non-government organisations to achieve better outcomes for people from CALD backgrounds;
  • We will be at the forefront of trends and issues in multiculturalism; and
  • We will support, encourage and promote best practice within our organisation and in the public sector.

OBJECTIVES

Active citizenship for people from CALD backgrounds by contributing to the removal of structural barriers

It is generally accepted that Western Australians enjoy a reasonably high standard of living. However, some people, including some from CALD backgrounds, have fewer opportunities than others to participate as full and active citizens within the political, social and economic community. Citizenship constitutes both a status and practice. Active citizenship relates to the practice of citizenship whereby individuals not only have a legal status, but also have the opportunity to practise their rights as citizens by having their individual needs met and by having the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.

  • Developing and reviewing policy within a multicultural framework to reflect changing community needs;
  • Developing flexible and innovative approaches to address the needs of identified groups including refugees, youth at risk, women and seniors;
  • Providing advice on multicultural issues to public sector agencies to make service provision more flexible and responsive to the needs of CALD clients;
  • Working with Federal and Local government authorities to achieve improved outcomes for people from CALD backgrounds;
  • Negotiating partnerships with the non-government sector to address issues confronting people from CALD backgrounds; and
  • Initiating options to promote multiculturalism as an integral part of the culture and ethos of the Western Australian community and the public sector.

An appreciation of difference as an integral part of our society to enable mutual respect between individuals and between communities

Multicultural policies have been adopted by Australian Governments since the 1970s. Yet multiculturalism remains one of the most contested and debated areas of public policy. Difference is an intrinsic characteristic of the Western Australian population and is one of our most valuable assets. However, some people fear difference and view it as a threat. An appreciation and understanding of multiculturalism is vital to ensuring that difference is recognised, accepted, and respected as a key building block of our society.

  • Developing and delivering an education package to raise awareness of the WA Charter of Multiculturalism in the community, among school students, and the public sector;
  • Initiating ongoing debate about multicultural issues to negotiate outcomes and solutions with stakeholders;
  • Enabling stakeholders to have a clearer understanding of the structural barriers that restrict opportunities for CALD people and their access to appropriate services; and
  • Working with the media and other stakeholders to debunk myths and eliminate stereotyping of people of CALD backgrounds.

Strong and viable CALD communities so that their contribution to Western Australia is developed and sustained

Western Australia enjoys a rich and vibrant heritage from its Indigenous people as well as from its subsequent history of migration. People from CALD backgrounds have made significant contributions to shaping our society. These contributions are not always recognised and people from CALD backgrounds are still under-represented in Western Australia’s political, economic and social institutions. Strengthening the capacity of CALD communities to use and promote their members’ individual talents and skills is an important step to achieving an inclusive society.

  • Providing information and opportunities for community leaders to negotiate better outcomes for their members;
  • Providing grants to community groups to develop local solutions to issues;
  • Facilitating opportunities for meaningful dialogue between communities and Government;
  • Working towards increased representation of people from CALD backgrounds in decision making processes; and
  • Assisting communities to remain sustainable by harnessing the talents and skills of individuals.
WA CHARTER OF MULTICULTURALISM

VISION
A society in which respect for mutual difference is accompanied by equality of opportunity within a framework of democratic citizenship.

PRINCIPLES

  1. Civic Values
    The equality of respect, mutual respect, individual freedom and dignity for all members of society subject to the acceptance of the rule of law, social, political and legal institutions and constitutional structures.
  2. Fairness
    The pursuit of public policies free of prejudice, discrimination and exclusion on the basis of characteristics such as origins, perceived ‘race’, culture, religion, ethnicity and nationality.
  3. Equality
    Equality of opportunity for all members of society to achieve their full potential in a free and democratic society where every individual is equal before, and under, the law.
  4. Participation
    The full and equitable participation in society of individuals and communities, irrespective of origins, culture, religion, ethnicity and nationality.
OBJECTIVES
Pursuant to the above principles the objectives of the Government of Western Australia are to:
  • Facilitate the inclusion and empowerment of members of all communities as full and equal members of the Australian community, enjoying the rights and duties of a shared citizenship.
  • Encourage a sense of Australian identity and belonging as citizens, within a multicultural society.
  • Ensure that all individuals and minority groups, recognising the unique status of Aboriginal peoples, receive equal and appropriate treatment and protection under the law.
  • Enable the recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures and backgrounds from which members of the Western Australian community are drawn.
  • Remove all barriers to equal participation in, and enjoyment of, all aspects of society – social, political, cultural and economic.
  • Foster the recognition of the achievements of, and contributions to, the Western Australian community of all individuals regardless of their origins, perceived ‘race’, culture, religion and nationality.