Accessible Government Services for All Annual Report
Page 16
State, territory and local governments
South Australia - Multicultural SA
Multicultural SA is the lead agency for a new target in South Australia's Strategic Plan announced by the Premier, the Hon Mike Rann MP, on Australia Day 2007. The new target is to increase the percentage of South Australians who accept cultural diversity as a positive influence in the community. Acceptance of cultural diversity as a positive influence in the community will be measured by responses in a household survey of a sample of the South Australian public.
On 25 March 2006, South Australian Government Muslim Reference Group (SAGMRG) members participated in a special professional development programme aimed at building the skills of Muslim community representatives in managing media interviews and relationships. The next day, an additional media training session was also presented to members of South Australian Muslim communities, nominated by SAGMRG Members.
Forums funded by Multicultural SA, were held in Mount Gambier, Naracoorte and Bordertown to identify ways to make the communities migrant-friendly. These regional towns have been receiving an increased number of migrants and are expecting more, including refugees. The forums coincided with the broadcasting of a series of television advertisements about the benefits of migration in the region. Participants identified the need for cross-cultural awareness and understanding, English language tuition and education about Australian laws and social norms as high priorities for their towns.
Government departments have an important role to play in making new migrants feel welcome in South Australia and ensuring that programmes and services are culturally and linguistically appropriate for both emerging and established communities. Multicultural SA recently set up a panel of cultural awareness training providers to assist government departments in the procurement of appropriate cultural awareness training.
Government agencies can access information about the providers and their services through the government intranet. The providers have been through a thorough assessment process before being offered contracts and the panel will be updated on an ongoing basis.