DIMA Annual Report 1998-99
Sub-program 4.1: Multicultural Affairs
Objective
To foster appreciation of Australia's cultural diversity, within a framework of national unity.
Description
This sub-program meets its objective by coordinating policy advice on issues concerning Australia's cultural diversity and implementing specific strategies. In doing so, it takes a strategic interest in activities in the Department and across all Commonwealth agencies.
When regional support or implementation is required, improved performance outcomes are achieved though direct assistance from, and close liaison with, departmental state and territory offices.
Progress was made on the framework of multicultural policy with the launch by the Government in May 1999 of the National Multicultural Advisory Council's report, Australian multiculturalism for a new century: Towards inclusiveness.
An important initiative launched by the Government in August 1998 was Living in Harmony, which aims to celebrate cultural diversity and to promote harmony among individuals and groups of different cultural backgrounds.
The Living in Harmony initiative comprises interlinked elements of community grants, partnerships and a public information strategy. One hundred grants totalling $5 million were awarded to a range of community groups throughout Australia to advance community harmony.
Partnerships have been formed with business corporations and key national organisations to develop projects aimed at improving social cohesion. Collaborative projects have also been initiated with state and territory governments. The activities and outcomes of these programs will be highlighted through a public information strategy to raise awareness of the importance of community harmony.
During 1998-99, awareness of the Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society (the Charter) and its implementation was enhanced through information workshops held in all capital cities and five regional centres.
Performance information
Outcomes are measured by the extent to which:
- the National Multicultural Advisory Council is supported, particularly with regard to preparing its report to Government, and assistance is provided to the Government in preparing a response to the report of the Council;
- the Living in Harmony initiative to promote community harmony is developed and implemented;
- the Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society is implemented and provision of a whole-of -government report on progress is achieved;
- productive diversity management principles are recognised by Australian institutions, including the business sector; and
- advice is provided on policy and implementing priority issues including community relations, women's issues and ethnic youth.
Financial and staffing resources summary
1998-99 |
1998-99 |
1997-98 |
||
Budget & AE's |
Actual |
Actual |
||
($'000) |
($'000) |
($'000) |
||
Budgetary (Cash) basis |
||||
Components of appropriations |
||||
Annual appropriations |
||||
Running Costs |
9 004 |
8 450 |
3 385 |
|
Other Program Appropriations |
779 |
771 |
749 |
|
Total appropriations |
9 783 |
9 222 |
4 134 |
|
Less adjustments |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
Total Outlays |
9 783 |
9 218 |
4 134 |
|
Total Revenue |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Staffing |
||||
Staff years (actual) |
66 |
69 |
44 |
|