PrintThe evolution of access and equity strategies
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The current Access and Equity Framework responds to today’s circumstances by building on previous policy approaches to equality of opportunity, the right to cultural maintenance and effective program delivery. The Galbally Report2, released in 1978, recognised the need for comprehensive data on the participation of migrants in government programs to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. It also recommended the establishment of the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs (AIMA).
AIMA conducted an evaluation of programs and services post-Galbally, which reiterated the need for migrants to have equality of access to general programs and services irrespective of their cultural or linguistic background.
A report to parliament, Access and Equity in the Delivery of Federal Government Services and Programs to Migrants, was published in April 1986 – in effect, the first Australian Government access and equity report.
A further review, A Fair Go, A Fair Share: Access and Equity for a Multicultural Australia, Access and Equity Report No. 1, followed in 1988. Between April and June 1990, Access and Equity Open Forums were held to disseminate information about progress and to offer an opportunity for dialogue with the community.
The report of the first federal parliamentary inquiry into access and equity issues, A Fair Go for All: Report on Migrant Access and Equity was released in 1996. In 1998, the Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society was formally launched. Until 2006, the charter was the key document guiding access and equity strategies and reporting by Australian governments.
The policy statement A New Agenda for Multicultural Australia, released in December 1999, specified that multicultural strategies, policies and programs should ‘make our administrative, social and economic infrastructure more responsive to the rights, obligations and needs of our culturally diverse population’.
The Review of Settlement Services for Migrants and Humanitarian Entrants (2003), conducted by the then Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs3, and other departmental reviews and consultations, prompted the development of a new framework to streamline agency reporting.
Access and Equity Framework
The new Access and Equity Framework consists of four principles:
- responsiveness – government programs and services should be accessible, fair and responsive to the needs of their clients
- communication – communication with clients should be open, effective and use appropriate channels
- accountability – reporting and review mechanisms should be accessible, transparent and effective
- leadership – government agencies should work together, emphasise responsibilities to partners, and encourage participation in our society by all.
Each principle has a set of associated strategies to help agencies apply them to their programs and services and against which they report annually. See Appendix B for more details.
Social Inclusion Agenda
The Access and Equity Framework complements the government’s Social Inclusion Agenda. The agenda seeks to combat economic and social disadvantage and recognises that, to be socially included, all Australians must be given the opportunity to secure a job; access services; connect with family, friends, work, personal interests and their local community; deal with personal crises; and have their voices heard. For more information, see:
www.socialinclusion.gov.au
Workplace diversity
Workplace diversity plans have been a legal requirement for government departments since 1999 and also complement access and equity principles and strategies.
In this context, diversity covers gender, age, language, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, religious belief and family responsibilities, as well as education, life experience, work experience, socio-economic background, personality and marital status. Implementing diversity plans can bring multiple benefits, such as better understanding of clients, increased adaptability, a broader range of services, and innovation and improved services resulting from diverse staff knowledge, experience and viewpoints.
Indigenous issues
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) plays a key role in whole-of-government coordination and collaboration in policy development and service delivery in Indigenous affairs.
FaHCSIA’s programs and activities focus on improving the lives of Australians by building personal, family and community capacity, and wellbeing. Across the areas of Indigenous Australians, seniors, disability and carers, mental health, children, families, women and housing, the department seeks to maximise economic and social participation, focuses on early intervention as a strategy to assist individuals, families and communities and assists those who are most disadvantaged. Coupled with a focus on social inclusion, these policies and programs serve to enhance social justice and equity in Australia.
Further information on these is available on its website:
www.fahcsia.gov.au
Other agencies also provide Indigenous programs relevant to their portfolios–including the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations; Department of Health and Ageing; Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts; and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
- The full title is: Migrant Services and Programs: Report of the Review of Post-Arrival Programs and Services to Migrants.
- The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs became the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs in January 2006 and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in January 2007.
