The Community Services Directorate’s Office of Multicultural Affairs is calling on Canberrans to help shape the future Multicultural Recognition Act.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Tara Cheyne said the Office’s discussion paper Towards a Multicultural Recognition Act for the Australian Capital Territory, was the basis of its community consultation and would inform development of the Act.
“The development of a Multicultural Recognition Act signifies – and formalises in legislation – the value that we as a community place on multiculturalism in the ACT,” Ms Cheyne said.
“This is an opportunity to further raise the prominence of the multicultural community and promote the rights of everyone to participate in the social, economic and cultural life of our city,” she said.
“The views of all Canberrans on this important work are not only valued, but critical to its success.”
Ms Cheyne said the Act would create a Multicultural Charter; enshrine into law the Multicultural Advisory Council; and provide reporting mechanisms against the Multicultural Framework to ensure accountability back to the community.
She said the contributions of the Territory’s multicultural communities were felt in every corner of the city, from community celebrations and major events like the National Multicultural Festival to the language, history, music and food of the cultures shared and celebrated in the ACT.
“I encourage all Canberrans to contribute to the development of this Act,” she said.
The Office’s 12-page Discussion Paper, including information on how to have a say, can be accessed at this PS News link.
