Output 2.4 - Promoting the benefits of cultural diversity
Highlights
Following the terrorist attacks in London on 7 July 2005, the Prime Minister met leaders of Australia's Muslim community on 23 August 2005. The meeting issued an important Statement of Principles that commits all Australians to work together to protect Australia from intolerance and extremism and promote harmony and understanding. The meeting also agreed that the Australian Government would seek the cooperation of the state and territory governments in working towards a national strategy to reinforce social cohesion and combat extremism.
At its 27 September 2005 Special Meeting on Counter-terrorism, the Council of Australian Governments requested that the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs develop a National Action Plan (NAP) to address extremism and the promotion of violence and intolerance in Australia.
We were provided $5.9 million in 2005-06 to develop the NAP and to undertake a range of related work involving Australian Government and state and territory government agencies, including liaison with the Muslim community and community projects. The government established the Muslim Community Reference Group (MCRG) in mid-September 2005 to provide advice on how government and the Muslim communities can work together more effectively to address intolerance and achieve a more inclusive society.
In developing the NAP, we commissioned preliminary research and sought input from a range of Australian Government agencies, state and territory governments, and the community. Input from the community was largely provided by the MCRG. Other consultations included a National Youth Summit in December 2005.
In addition, we worked closely with other Australian Government agencies, state and territory governments, and community groups to reach agreement on some 58 NAP-related projects in 2005-06. These projects included initiatives aimed at furthering our understanding of extremism and building community capacity and resilience.
Community input has been a key aspect of the development of the NAP. Supporting Australian Muslims to become more integrated and connected with the rest of the community, particularly in terms of jobs, educational attainment, and participation in community activities, is an important aspect of preventing extremist and violent ideologies gaining influence in Australia.
We completed an extensive evaluation of multicultural policy and programmes, including the Living in Harmony initiative. The evaluation included:
- a stocktake of outputs and outcomes
- consultation with stakeholders such as the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) and the Council for Multicultural Australia (CMA)
- roundtable consultations targeting a broad range of interests and constituencies beyond our usual stakeholders, including representatives from the private and community sectors, religious organisations, sporting bodies, and local government
- an inter-departmental committee, which considered opportunities for collaboration between our multicultural programme and other government programmes
- an analysis of the appropriateness, effectiveness, and efficiency of the programmes
- development of successful new policy proposals.
A comprehensive evaluation of multicultural policy during the year found general support for existing policy and programmes. The Australian Government's multicultural policy is for and about all Australians, regardless of their birthplace. The policy provides a framework for balancing responsibilities and rights, emphasising unity as well as diversity. The government works across all levels of government (Australian Government, state/territory, and local) to support the development of social cohesion throughout the country.
Community liaison officers in all states and territories maintained contact with local and national community organisations. They provided information to communities and reported on community tensions and related issues of concern to communities, including the London bombings in 2005 and the emergency in East Timor in 2006.
Eighty-four Australian Government agencies, up from 64 in 2004 (an increase of 31 per cent), reported on their performance against the Performance Indicators set out in the Performance Management Framework of the 2005 Access and Equity Annual Report - implementing the Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society. An analysis of the 'met well' criterion showed a 9.4 percentage point improvement, with 61.9 per cent of all indicators reported on by all agencies achieving this rating, compared with 52.5 per cent in 2004.
Successful applicants for the sixth round of project funding were announced in October 2005. Thirty-nine projects were funded from 642 applications, at a cost of some $1.5 million. The priority areas for Living in Harmony community funding were inter-faith issues, new and emerging communities, school and educational communities, and Indigenous Australians.
In 2005 a Living in Harmony community grant was awarded to the Brisbane City Council for the project It's Not All Black and White - An African Story. The project produced education kits to encourage Brisbane residents to get to know and support new and emerging African communities from the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Sudan.
In 2005-06 Harmony Day received a 94 per cent increase in public support with more than 300 000 Australians participating in a record number of Harmony Day events. The most prominent event was the Harmony Day themed National Rugby League football match held on 17 March 2006.
Educational institutions continue to be the biggest supporter of Harmony Day accounting for 53 per cent of all event registrations.
Ten Living in Harmony partnerships were managed in 2005-06 with six commencing during the year. These included the On the Same Wave projects by Surf Life Saving Australia, and the Sutherland Shire Council aimed at achieving greater harmony between all beach users and promoting a culture that the beach is there to share.
The project Together for Goodness and Kindness was jointly delivered by Chabad House of the North Shore Ltd and the Forum on Australian Islamic Relations. The project received $100 000 to deliver an education programme that helped children foster a feeling of belonging and acceptance among others of all backgrounds. The project was highly successful in working with 8180 children and 270 teachers from over 50 schools to promote the values of a cohesive society. The project promoted inclusiveness, kindness, and respect for others.
Murdoch University, the Journalism Education Association, SBS, Media Monitors, the University of South Australia, the University of Canberra, the University of Western Sydney, and the Griffith University entered into a joint partnership to receive funding of $108 012 to form the project Journalism in Multicultural Australia. The goal of the project is to develop and pilot a set of curricula/professional development resources to assist journalism students, cadet journalists, and active professionals in informed reporting of multicultural issues and events.
2.4 Promoting the benefits of cultural diversity
Objective
The objective is to provide policy advice on Australian cultural diversity in order to ensure that people from a diversity of backgrounds are able to integrate into Australian society, united by a shared commitment to our nation, its democratic institutions and values, and the rule of law.
Table 67: Performance information - Promoting the benefits of cultural diversity
| Measures | Results |
| Quantity | |
| Number of items of policy and other advice provided to Commonwealth and other governments, international agencies, and the Australian community | 34 items of advice in relation to international obligations provided to the Australian Government and 20 newsletters produced and distributed to local government and Australian Government networks. We participated in four youth-related interdepartmental committees. Community Liaison Section provided over 300 items of policy and other advice to Australian Government agencies, committees, and working groups. |
| Council for Multicultural Australia (CMA) meets quarterly, represents the Minister at functions, and provides advice on multicultural policy and programmes to the Minister and the department | Council meetings were held in August, September, and December 2005 and May 2006.
Council members attended functions, conferences and consultations, and also represented the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary as requested. The council provided advice on cultural diversity issues to the Minister, the Parliamentary Secretary, and the department and contributed to the evaluation of multicultural policy and programmes. The council assisted in the assessment of 642 applications for the 2005-06 Living in Harmony community grants. |
| Liaison maintained with approximately 4500 community organisations and individuals nationally | We maintained contact with over 8000 community organisations and individuals. Of this total, we had more extensive contact with over 3000 organisations on a range of issues important to those communities. Indirect contact with communities was facilitated through the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia. |
| Quantity | |
| An estimated five Living in Harmony partnerships, four Diversity Works! projects, 18 Harmony Day partners managed and 50 local government authorities engaged | In 2005-06 a total of 19 Harmony Day corporate partners and 11 corporate supporters worked with us. Harmony Day partners and supporters held 630 Harmony Day events nationwide and generated 413 media items. Harmony Day partners and supporters continued to cooperate with each other and with other supporting organisations to arrange a variety of joint activities to highlight the positive benefits of Australia's cultural diversity. Activities included major sporting events, shopping centre activities, internal functions, business conferences, and interactive forums. The most prominent Harmony Day partner event was the Harmony Day themed National Rugby League football match between Wests Tigers and Canterbury Bulldogs. The match was held at Telstra Stadium on 17 March 2006. Ten Living in Harmony partnerships were managed in 2005-06 with six commencing during this period. The Diversity Australia website resource guides were launched in September 2005. Over 38 000 resource guides, information flyers, and information matrices were distributed to educators and managers in the Vocational Education and Training, Higher Education, and Schools sectors. The 2005 Access and Equity Annual Report was tabled in both Houses of Parliament on 9 May 2006. We provided guidance to local government by presenting information at two national local government conferences and one international conference. Direct contact was made with 78 local governments through the Strength in Diversity Award, and local government responses to cultural diversity were promoted by publishing case studies on local government-related electronic bulletins and newspapers. |
| Promotional events and activities organised by DIMA and communities, particularly regarding Harmony Day and Diversity Works! programmes | Our website recorded 5339 community Harmony Day events and 4669 Harmony Day individual product requests.
Educational institutions continue to be the biggest supporter of Harmony Day constituting 53 per cent of all event registrations, followed by government with 19 per cent of event registrations, business with 11 per cent, community organisations with 10 per cent, and 7 per cent other. |
| Quantity | |
| Number of completed ministerial correspondence, briefs, speeches, situation reports, community update reports, and other documents as required | In 2005-06 the Multicultural Affairs Branch finalised 112 briefs to the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary, and 1012 items of ministerial correspondence.
The Community Liaison Section produced the majority of responses to ministerial correspondence produced by the Multicultural Affairs Branch (an increase of almost 500 per cent from 2004-05), 69 briefs, 7 speeches, and 27 community update and situation reports. State and territory offices produced 176 responses to ministerial correspondence, 210 briefs, and 87 speeches. There was a significant increase in support activities associated with the Muslim Community Reference Group and National Action Plan. |
| Quality | |
| High level of satisfaction by recipients of policy and other advisings | The Minister, Parliamentary Secretary, and DIMA Executive sought and accepted much of the advice during the year. |
| High level of satisfaction of the Minister with CMA activities | The Minister responded favourably to a CMA advice paper for the evaluation of multicultural policy. The Parliamentary Secretary expressed satisfaction with the work of the CMA at the May 2006 meeting and in a letter to the CMA Chair. |
| Extent to which engagements with community groups, organisations, individuals, and local government authorities enhance intra and inter-governmental and community relationships; extent to which community relations issues are well managed; extent to which advice on these is accepted by Ministers, DIMA Executive, and communities | Government and community relationships were strengthened through our community liaison function. We consulted with numerous community groups, organisations, and individuals. Our community liaison function supported ministerial engagement with community leaders and organisations. It informed the development of appropriate measures to address contemporary crises (such as following the London bombings in July 2005) affecting sections of the Australian community. The Ministers sought and accepted our advice concerning community relations issues. |
| Living in Harmony partnerships and projects meet their agreed objectives within agreed periods and are completed to satisfaction of the Minister and other stakeholders | All Living in Harmony partnerships which commenced in 2005-06 are currently on track to meet agreed objectives. |
| Positive impacts of the promotional events and activities as assessed by the media reporting and community participation | Media coverage for Harmony Day was extensive, with positive media accounting for 82 per cent of all coverage.
Harmony Day media coverage reached 2194 items (991 broadcast, 1086 press and 117 Internet items), a substantial increase when compared to the 1999 figure of 66 media items and a 46 per cent increase compared with 2005. |
| Quantity | |
| High level of satisfaction of the Ministers, DIMA Executive, and other stakeholders with reports and documents provided | Our advice on various matters, including international reports and delegation briefs, was strongly appreciated by the Minister, DIMA Executive, and other stakeholders. |
| Developing a National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP). | The development of the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP) was guided by the results of preliminary research and input from other Australian Government agencies, state and territory governments, and community groups.
The Australian Government committed $5.9 million in 2005-06 to DIMA to develop the NAP and coordinate 58 NAP-related projects. In order to continue the dialogue with leaders of Australia's Muslim community the government established the Muslim Community Reference Group (MCRG) in mid-September 2005 to provide advice on how government and the community can work together more effectively to address intolerance and achieve a more inclusive society. The reference group has met four times since its establishment. Seven sub-groups have been established to support the MCRG. The members of the sub-groups are drawn jointly from the MCRG and all parts of the community. Sub-groups have been facilitated by relevant Australian Government agencies who have worked constructively with members to identify practical solutions to issues they identify. |
Description
This output covers implementation of the Australian Government's multicultural policy.
Analysis of performance
We completed an extensive evaluation of cultural diversity policy and programmes and achieved good budget outcomes.
The Council for Multicultural Australia focused largely on its contribution as an external reference group for evaluating multicultural policy. Its members participated in the Steering Committee for the evaluation and worked extensively on an advice paper for the evaluation. Council members also promoted the benefits of Australia's cultural diversity within their own professional and social networks, represented the Minister at citizenship ceremonies, and participated in a range of multicultural events and forums. A major achievement was the brokering of a partnership between us and Surf Life Saving Australia in the aftermath of the December 2005 Cronulla riots.
We fostered productive working relationships with the Australian Government, state and territory governments, and community stakeholders and produced a draft report ready for consideration by the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs at its meeting on 14 July 2006.
In 2005-06 there were 58 projects commenced under the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP). Twenty of the projects had been concluded at 30 June 2006, with positive feedback received on each one. For example, the National Youth Summit, held in December 2005, addressed particular challenges facing young Australian Muslims and was attended by over 60 delegates from around Australia. The summit produced 51 solution options based on initiatives that can support young Australian Muslims to build self-esteem and a sense of belonging, and identified ways to develop the capacity to actively contribute to the Australian community through leadership models and programmes.
Community input has been a key aspect of the development of the NAP. The Australian Government established the MCRG to provide advice on how government and the community can work together more effectively to address intolerance and achieve a more inclusive society. Seven sub-groups have been established to support the MCRG to examine issues relating to:
- youth
- women
- schooling
- education and training of Imams, teachers, and leaders
- employment outcomes and workplace issues
- crisis management
- family and community.
The MCRG and its sub-groups recognise that the Muslim community itself must tackle its challenges head on and be a key part of developing and implementing solutions.
Our state and territory offices maintained extensive contacts with community groups and individuals, government and non-government agencies to build coordinated working relationships, ensure all interested parties are included in the management of portfolio policies and programmes, and negotiate on matters that may affect community harmony and social cohesion. Community leaders continue to report satisfaction with ongoing liaison and consultation by the Ministers and us, particularly in relation to community relations issues.
Our community update reports provided the Ministers and DIMA Executive with information about broad community issues and concerns, and facilitated the development of strategies to address tensions within and between communities.
During the year, we monitored social cohesion and inter-faith issues, and briefed the Ministers prior to attendance at community functions and before meetings with community representatives. We also provided advice on threats to community relations, such as instances of racial and religious vilification. The main challenges to social cohesion in Australia continued to be expressions of hostility towards Australian Muslims, anti-Asian activity within parts of the community, anti-Semitic incidents, perceived links between criminal behaviour and ethnicity, and a distrust of African arrivals, especially youth, by some in the community.
We continued to liaise closely with the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) to ensure relevant and practical outcomes for Australia's diverse communities.
We produce an annual multicultural diary which highlights the range of important events, festivals, and days, both cultural and religious, that are celebrated throughout Australia. In 2005-06 almost 8000 copies were distributed to Australian Government, state and territory members of parliament, local councils, diplomatic representatives, community organisations, schools, and individuals. This is an increase of 2000 copies (or 33 per cent) from the almost 6000 copies distributed in 2004-05.
Good Shepherd Primary School Harmony Day. (Photograph courtesy of The Canberra Times)
The number of Australian Government agencies reporting against the Performance Indicators set out in the Performance Management Framework of the Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society increased by 31 per cent (84 in 2005 compared to 64 in 2004). A further 13 agencies were consulted in obtaining these contributions or provided input. In total, 117 agencies were consulted in producting the 2005 Access and Equity Annual Report - progress in implementing the Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society. The number of agencies meeting the 'met well' criteria increased by 9.4 per cent to 61.9 per cent of all indicators reported on by all agencies achieving this rating compared with 52.5 percent in 2004. With the exception of Tasmania, all state and territory governments and 30 local councils contributed to the 2005 report.
Harmony Day, celebrated on 21 March, is a national programme of events designed to promote the positive values and achievements of all Australians. Harmony Day focuses the nation on what unites Australians, emphasising values, and a commitment to a cohesive society.
Harmony Day 2006 received a 94 per cent increase in public support compared to 2005, with over 300 000 Australians participating in a record number of Harmony Day events.
Harmony Day's continuing success is due to the ongoing support it receives from a wide range of groups within the community. Community endorsement contributes significantly to the campaign's ability to influence the adoption of positive messages. Harmony Day events were sponsored by governments, community organisations, educational institutions, businesses, and 30 official Harmony Day partners, and supporters.
Harmony Day partners and supporters held 630 events nationwide and generated 413 media items. The most prominent event was the Harmony Day themed National Rugby League football match held between Wests Tigers and Canterbury Bulldogs at Telstra Stadium on 17 March 2006.
Harmony Day media coverage reached 2194 items with 82 per cent of all media coverage being positive (see Table 68). This was a substantial increase when compared to the 1999 figure of 66 media items and 1438 in 2005.
Table 68: Volume of media coverage
| Media | Volume | per cent change | |
| 2005 | 2006 | ||
| Press | 668 | 1086 | 62.6 |
| Radio | 398 | 743 | 86.7 |
| Television | 269 | 248 | - 8.5 |
| Internet | 103 | 117 | 13.6 |
| Total media | 1438 | 2194 | 46.5 |
All levels of government supported Harmony Day and promoted the programme's objectives. State and territory governments constituted 37 per cent of total government participation in Harmony Day, followed by local government (35 per cent) and the Australian Government (28 per cent).
The sixth round of Living in Harmony funded community projects was announced in October 2005. Thirty-nine projects were funded from 642 applications, totalling approximately $1.5 million. The projects focused on inter-faith issues, new and emerging communities, school and educational communities, and Indigenous Australians.
In 2005-06 Living in Harmony partnerships included the involvement of the Australian media, educational institutions, business and government, and community organisations. Ten partnerships were managed during the year with six projects starting. Many of the partnerships focused on the enhancing community relations in response to large international and domestic issues such as the July 2005 London bombings and the December 2005 Cronulla riots.
Surf Life Saving Australia received funding of $600 000 and the Sutherland Shire Council received funding of $260 000. Both projects are titled On the Same Wave and are in response to the riots that occurred in Cronulla on 11 December 2005. The partnerships aim to achieve greater harmony between all beach users and to promote a culture that the beach is there to share.