Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly, now elevated to Cabinet, will open a new office for her portfolio. Photo: Supplied ALP.
An Office for Multicultural Affairs looks set to be up and running by mid-July, days before the new Federal Parliament is scheduled to sit for the first time.
The new office will be set up within the Department of Home Affairs and pull together what the Federal Government is describing as “key functions” relating to multicultural policies and programs.
This includes taking charge of the Adult Migrant English Program, Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) as well as other language and grants programs.
It will also provide leadership across all three levels of government and coordinate a national approach to an increasingly cohesive, multicultural society.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly, promoted to Cabinet along with the portfolio following Labor’s win at the 3 May election, announced the creation of the office and described it as an important government initiative.
“The establishment of a federal Office for Multicultural Affairs is a significant step, recognising the importance of not just celebrating multiculturalism but valuing diversity,” Ms Aly said.
“Multiculturalism is not just about, or for a section of, our society.
“Each and every one of us belongs to an Australia that has been enriched by our 65,000 years of First Nations culture and the successive stories, traditions and histories of those who have come across the seas.
“It’s not only about celebrating multiculturalism, but about truly valuing diversity and ensuring all Australians have equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities to contribute to national life.”
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said multiculturalism had long been a fundamental part of the Australian identity and required a cohesive approach to policies, programs and services.
“Modern Australia and multicultural Australia are the same thing,” Mr Burke said.
“This office provides a central hub for government work and makes sure every Australian feels welcomed and at home.”
While it is the first time in Australia’s history a Minister for Multicultural Affairs has been invited to join Cabinet, it is not the first Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Former Labor prime minister Bob Hawke set up an office in 1986, naming Peter Shergold its founding director.
A significant body at the time, the office was gradually depleted of resources following the Hawke years and eventually lost its functions to other government agencies.
Its re-establishment also marks 50 years since Australia introduced its first multiculturalism policy.
But it is not quite the stand-alone department recommended from the recent Multicultural Framework Review.
Australia’s population of 27.2 million comprises 8.6 million people, or 31.5 per cent, born overseas. More than half the population were either born overseas or have a parent born overseas.
Refugee resettlement and multicultural services provider Settlement Services International (SSI) welcomed the news of a new Office of Multicultural Affairs.
SSI delivers a range of human services that connect individuals, families and children from diverse backgrounds with opportunities – including settlement support, disability programs, community engagement initiatives and training and employment pathways.
The group’s Yamamah Agha said the multicultural and community sector as a whole had called for a dedicated office in its joint submission signed by more than 80 organisations to the Multicultural Framework Review commissioned by the Labor government in its last term.
She said its establishment was a strong signal of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening support for a stronger multicultural Australia.
“The Multicultural Framework Review report offers an excellent opportunity to reset and advance a stronger multicultural Australia,” Ms Agha said.
“There is a real window of opportunity to drive systems reform by implementing all 29 recommendations and SSI looks forward to working with the Federal Government, Minister Aly, our communities and peers to implement the review’s progressive vision.”
The aim is for the office to be established by 17 July. Parliament opens on 22 July.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
