Released 09/02/2023
The ACT Legislative Assembly has today passed the Multiculturalism Bill. The Bill was introduced following extensive community consultation, considering the views and lived experience of the Canberra community.
In passing the law, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Tara Cheyne said the new legislation will support the Territory’s continuous growth and improvement as an inclusive city, celebrating our multiculturalism and diversity.
“The ACT is becoming more culturally and linguistically diverse. This new legislation works to ensure people from all backgrounds are welcomed and have the same opportunity to be involved in the social, political, cultural, economic, educational and civic life of our city,” Minister Cheyne explained.
The Multiculturalism Act 2022 creates a Charter which sets out clear principles and responsibilities for supporting diversity, inclusion and belonging. It is a rights-based values statement for an ACT we want to live in and the norms we want to live by. The charter affirms what we expect of ourselves, of each other, of our community and our government. It places a positive obligation on all Canberrans to understand biases and be open, respectful and to understand and embrace diversity in all its forms. The principles and responsibilities in the Charter will guide the development and implementation of more inclusive government policies, programs and services.
The Act enshrines in law the Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism to advocate on behalf of Canberra’s multicultural community. The Act also provides ways for the ACT Government to report back to the community on our progress as a welcoming and inclusive city.
“The Multiculturalism Act defines the Canberra we want to live in now and into the future and complements existing reporting and enforcement mechanisms in the Human Rights Act 2004 and the Discrimination Act 1991 to protect equality and cultural diversity,” Minister Cheyne said.
“A large part of the success and impact of this Bill comes from the incredible community support and involvement we had during the consultation process. We thank everyone who took the time to share their views and help create this important foundation for our ongoing growth as a welcoming city.”
The Charter for Multiculturalism reads:
“The Legislative Assembly believes our community is enriched by the long and continuous cultures of the first peoples of Australia and the diverse cultures, languages, religious or spiritual beliefs of the many other people who have made our community their home. Accordingly, we say:
Regardless of your background and experiences, and how you have come to be in the ACT—
- you are welcome and your contributions to our community are valued
- you are free and safe to express, practise, maintain and celebrate your cultural, religious and spiritual identity
- you are entitled to use, preserve and share your language
- you are free to participate as equals in the civic, cultural, economic, educational, political and social life of the ACT
- you are entitled to equitable access to information, services and programs provided to our community
We have a shared responsibility to— - value the contributions of all people, regardless of their backgrounds and experiences
- embrace and realise the benefits that diversity brings to our civic, cultural, economic, educational, political and social life
- create a harmonious and unified community based on mutual respect, trust and understanding
- end racism and other forms of unlawful discrimination.”
Quotes attributable to John Kalokerinos, Chair of the Multicultural Advisory Council:
Four states across Australia (NSW, Victoria, Qld and SA) already have multicultural legislation of this kind in place. The passage of the Multiculturalism Bill 2022 means that the ACT now joins those jurisdictions in having important legislation like this in place. The Act will contribute to ensuring that Canberra continues to grow as a welcoming and inclusive place to live.
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases