PrintPreface from the Minister
To a large extent, Australia owes its success as a free and democratic society and a thriving economy to the outstanding contributions that migrants and their families have made throughout our history. Immigration will continue to play a key role in meeting the economic and social challenges we face in the foreseeable future.
To make the most of migrants’ and all Australians’ skills, perspectives, networks and desire to succeed, everyone must have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to our society.
Access and equity is fundamental to this. Under the Access and Equity Strategy, government programs and services are encouraged to be responsive to the needs of all Australians, irrespective of their place of birth, cultural or linguistic backgrounds or religious beliefs.
Access and equity reporting is an important part of the Access and Equity Strategy. It demonstrates how government agencies are meeting challenges, sharing innovations and providing leadership to the whole community about the importance of fair, inclusive and effective programs and services. Cultural, linguistic and religious diversity can present particular challenges for older Australians, women and Humanitarian Program entrants. This Access and Equity Report 2006–08 highlights their needs and responses by government agencies.
This report focuses more than previous reports on community feedback in order to better understand the barriers to service delivery. Views were sought from the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, the Refugee Council of Australia and the Australian Human Rights Commission, and through my department’s nationwide network of community liaison officers. Key barriers to access and equity are detailed in the report and more specific information obtained through community feedback will inform discussions between my department and a range of agencies.
After setting the scene from the community perspective, the report looks at government achievements in access and equity. It features examples from Australian Government agencies and state, territory and local governments.
Many agencies have shown a strong commitment to providing programs and services that are accessible and responsive to diversity. The report lists many innovative approaches, ranging from listening tours and partnerships between governments to sharing the insights of specialised multicultural officers with other agencies.
I congratulate these agencies and encourage a continued whole-of-government approach to this important area of public policy.
Senator Chris Evans
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
