Local governments

Local governments are very well-placed to understand and respond to local cultural diversity issues. They can help create productive partnerships across the community, business and government sectors, and make appropriate information and resources available.

The leadership potential of local government is evident in StepOne (www.stepone.com.au), developed by Macquarie University with support from DIAC’s Diverse Australia program. It provides online guidance and practical resources for councils and community groups interested in reducing racism, intolerance and negative stereotypes and building positive and sustainable relationships between communities in their local areas.

Local governments often broker solutions to local issues that may be of interest to other governments. Some are listed below.