A National Action Plan (NAP)

A National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security

The National Action Plan (NAP) was developed by the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, at the request of the Council of Australian Governments.
See: COAG: Special Meeting on Counter-Terrorism ( 54KB PDF file)

The NAP, developed in 2005–06, responds to the particular pressures Australian communities are facing as a result of increased intolerance and the promotion of violence arising from events around the world and in Australia since 2001. It addresses marginalisation, promotes understanding and dialogue among all Australians and builds on existing government programs, focusing on four key areas: education, employment, integration and security.

The Australian Government and state and territory governments worked together to develop the NAP, which was endorsed by the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs on 14 July 2006.
See: Communique: Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (14 July 2006) ( 12KB PDF file)

These governments are now implementing the NAP with significant commitment from Australian communities. Australian Government activities under the NAP include:

• Consultation and research to inform the direction of activity
• Projects run by various Australian Government agencies, including the Department of Immigration and Citizenship
• Partnership projects between state and territory governments and the Australian Government
• Community Projects.
  

See:
A National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (HTML)
A National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (221KB PDF file)

The implementation of the NAP has been informed by a range of community consultation processes, including the Muslim Community Reference Group (MCRG), which met from September 2005 to September 2006. Also, Muslim Youth Summits were held in all states and territories of Australia between December 2005 and June 2007. The final reports from these processes are available in the documents below.
See:
Final report of the Muslim Community Reference Group (443KB PDF file)
Muslim Youth Summits 2007 Report (630KB PDF file)

Community projects

The NAP funds community organisations to address NAP priorities. Current projects focus on increasing opportunities for participation in social and cultural projects to enhance leadership and connectedness among young people.
See: A National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security – Information Kit (898KB PDF file)

For summaries of past NAP community projects
See:
Community Projects 2008-2009 ( 33KB PDF file)
Community Projects 2007-2008 ( 82KB PDF file)
Community Projects 2006-2007 ( 83KB PDF file)
Community Projects 2005-2006 (139KB PDF file)

2009 community grants round open

Note: The 2009 community grants round referred to in this section has closed.

National Action Plan funding is available through the Diverse Australia Program community grants round.

As a result of community feedback about streamlining the grant application process, grants are now offered to small scale as well as major NAP activities.

In 2009 funding may be allocated to NAP projects that encourage active participation in mainstream sporting, social, art-based and other activities; promote the positive contributions of Muslim Australians to Australia; provide mentoring and volunteering opportunities for young people; and encourage leadership and participation more widely in community activities, especially by women and young people.

Guidelines for the Community Grants 2009 are available on the Diverse Australia Program website.
See: Diverse Australia Program

Publications

The Australian Journey – Muslim communities

The Australian Journey – Muslim communities demonstrates that Muslim Australians are involved in all facets of Australian society and are valuable members of the wider Australian community, working for the benefit of all Australians.

This book has been produced as part of the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP). In particular the NAP fosters connections and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslim Australians and builds social cohesion. The NAP reinforces the major contribution that all Australians can make to our country's future.
See: The Australian Journey – Muslim Communities (2.9MB PDF file)

Research

Muslim Australians and Local Government: Grass-roots Strategies to Build Bridges between Muslim and Non-Muslim Australians – Dr Amanda Wise

This project aimed to identify what works for community-based activities, including the potential role of local councils, and the relationship of Muslim Australians to their local councils.
See: Muslim Australians and Local Government: Grass-roots Strategies to Build Bridges between Muslim and Non-Muslim Australians

The Civil and Social Participation of Muslim Women in Australian Community Life - Dr Helen McCue

This research project, funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), sought to identify the drivers and barriers to Muslim Australian women’s participation in Australian civil and social life.
See: The Civil and Social Participation of Muslim Women in Australian Community Life (1.2MB PDF file)

Understanding Muslim Identities: From Perceived Relative Exclusion to Inclusion – Associate Professor Samina Yasmeen

This research project interviewed males and females, Muslims and non-Muslims to assess their views on Muslims in Australia.
See: Understanding Muslim Identities: From Perceived Relative Exclusion to Inclusion (2.1MB PDF file)