Whole-of-Government Approach

Access and Equity

Multicultural Access and Equity Policy acknowledges that we live in a multicultural society, and there is an obligation on Australian Government departments and agencies to provide equitable access to services regardless of the cultural or linguistic background of clients. The strengthened policy covers all engagement and communication of government agencies with multicultural communities.

In 2011–12, an independent panel inquired into how the Australian Government could improve the responsiveness of its services to the culturally and linguistically diverse population of Australia. The government released its response to the panel's findings and recommendations in early 2013, outlining its commitments against each recommendation under the strengthened Multicultural Access and Equity Policy: Respecting diversity. Improving responsiveness.

Part of the government response includes the development of resources to assist agencies in reporting on their Access and Equity obligations. Part of the government response includes the development of resources to assist agencies in reporting on their Access and Equity obligations, including a Multicultural Access and Equity Policy toolkit and the Multicultural Language Services Guidelines for Australian Government Agencies.
See:
Multicultural Access and Equity
Access and Equity Inquiry
Access and Equity Reports
Multicultural Access and Equity Policy Toolkit
Multicultural Language Services Guidelines

Government Building Social Cohesion

Many diverse cultures and religions make up Australian society but we are united by our commitment to Australia. The Australian Government has policies and programs in place to build social cohesion.