The importance of diversity and inclusivity in the ACT has been enshrined in the Territory’s law with the passing of the Multiculturalism Bill 2022.
In passing the law the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Tara Cheyne said the new legislation would support Canberra’s continuous growth and improvement as an inclusive city, celebrating its multiculturalism and diversity.
“The ACT is becoming more culturally and linguistically diverse,” Ms Cheyne said.
“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.”
She said the Multiculturalism Act 2022 created a Charter setting out clear principles and responsibilities for supporting diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Ms Cheyne said the Charter was a rights-based values statement for an ACT that people wanted to live in and the norms they wanted to live by.
“The charter affirms what we expect of ourselves, of each other, of our community and our Government,” the Minister said.
“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,” she said.
“The principles and responsibilities in the Charter will guide the development and implementation of more inclusive Government policies, programs and services.”
Ms Cheyne said the Act provided ways for the Government to report back to the community on Canberra’s progress as a welcoming and inclusive city.
She said it also enshrined in law the Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism to advocate on behalf of Canberra’s multicultural community.
“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,” Ms Cheyne said.
Further information on the Act and the Charter for Multiculturalism can be accessed at this PS News link.
