Australian Capital Territory Multicultural Strategy 2010-2013.
While the Office of Multicultural Affairs takes the lead on multicultural affairs, all ACT Government Directorates are committed to advancing the Strategy’s vision, “that the Australian Capital Territory is recognised as a leader in multicultural affairs and human rights.”
To that effect, each and every ACT Government directorate has reported in its Annual Reports of 2010-2011 on achievements during the 2010/2011 year to achieve this vision.
ACT Directorates Annual Reports 2010/2011
- Community Services Directorate pg 289-293
- Economic Development Directorate pg142-144
- Education and Training Directorate pg154-156
- Health Directorate pg323 -326
- Justice and Community Safety Directorate pg 206-209
- Treasury Directorate pg107
- Territory and Municipal Services Directorate pg110-113
- Chief Minister and Cabinet Directorate pg125
The ACT Multicultural Strategy for 2010-2013 was developed in conjunction with our Canberra community and is built around 6 strategic focus areas:
- Languages;
- Children and Young People;
- Older People and Aged Care;
- Women;
- Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Humanitarian Entrants; and
- Intercultural Harmony and Religious Acceptance.
Overall, solid progress has been made in implementing actions under the focus areas of the Strategy.
Indicators of progress
- The ACT Government developed a discussion paper entitled ‘Languages for All Canberrans’; and undertook community consultations to inform an ACT Languages Policy, due for publication in 2012; and
- The teaching of eight priority languages in ACT public schools and the Dickson College Bridging Program for students from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds saw its first Year 12 Certificate graduates during 2010.
- The Paint and Play Program is accessed widely by families with young children from a multicultural background. Paint and Play celebrates Harmony Day and other cultural celebrations with services and activities that are relevant and accessible for children. Homework Centres established in various primary schools have involved children from multicultural backgrounds. These children have been involved in the planning of and the activities offered through this program.
- The Office for Ageing launched the Seniors Online Portal, a gateway for ACT seniors related information on topics such as health and wellbeing; recreation; clubs; volunteering; and support services. In addition, $100,000 was made available for the 2010-11 Seniors Grants program, with twenty five per cent of grants awarded to projects focusing on multicultural groups.
- Thirty per cent of women receiving Women’s Return to Work Grants were from multicultural backgrounds in 2010 – many from new and emerging communities
- The Women’s Health Service continued to provide Well Women’s Checks, with 30 per cent of clients from multicultural backgrounds.
- 85 community groups shared $145,000 in funding under the 2010‑11 Multicultural Grants Program, delivering innovative projects that highlighted and promoted cultural diversity and social harmony.
- Housing ACT expanded the Refugee Transitional Housing Program from eight to sixteen properties to assist more refugee families in finding stable accommodation. The program delivered 4,285 bed nights in 2010.
- 134,000 local and interstate visitors attended the National Multicultural Festival in 2010. Eighty five community groups shared $145,000 in funding under the 2010-11 Multicultural Grants Program, delivering innovative projects that highlighted and promoted cultural diversity and social harmony
The way forward
While progress has been strong, there is always room for improvement in terms of data collection; reporting; and intra-Directorate engagement and support.
Cross cultural competency training rates across the ACT Public Service will require improvement over the next reporting period.
There is scope for agencies to improve their performance in maintaining better records of the number of accredited interpreter events.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs will take the lead in guiding and supporting Directorates where any issues are identified.
The Strategy continues to drive the ACT Government’s commitment to growing Canberra as an exciting melting pot of culture – a true multicultural city.
