Programs

Government programs respond to Australia's cultural diversity, in partnership with governments and community organisations, seeking to meet the challenges, maximise the benefits and promote unity for all Australians.

Diversity and Social Cohesion Program

The Diversity and Social Cohesion Program (incorporating the former Diverse Australia Program and the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security community grants) aims to provide an environment in which all Australians can develop a full sense of belonging and participate and contribute to Australian Society.

This work is undertaken through initiatives that address cultural, racial and religious intolerance by promoting respect, fairness and a sense of belonging for everyone. It also includes projects which build the resilience of specific communities who are under significant pressure because of their culture or religion.

Another way the Government promotes diversity is through Harmony Day which is on 21 March each year.
See: Diversity and Social Cohesion Program

Access and Equity Strategy

The Australian Government aims to achieve fairer and more accessible government services and programs through its Access and Equity Strategy. The strategy seeks to promote fairness and responsiveness in the design, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of government services in a culturally diverse society.

Access and equity reporting is an important part of the Access and Equity Strategy. Reports on agencies’ access and equity performance have been tabled in both houses of parliament since 1993, in accordance with the government-endorsed Recommendation 30 of the 1992 Access and Equity Evaluation Report.
See: Access and Equity Reports
See also: Access and Equity Resources

Local government

Local government plays an important role in responding to diversity in local communities. This web page has case studies on local government initiatives.
See: Local Government

Links with communities

The Australian Government is committed to building and maintaining effective linkages with our diverse communities to encourage community harmony, social cohesion and participation by all in community life. The government engages closely with community and government organisations across Australia to foster connections and to identify and manage community relations issues.

Community Liaison Officers (CLOs), based in all the department’s state and territory offices, maintain contact with numerous community organisations and representatives.  CLOs identify key issues within communities and facilitate productive two-way communication between the government and Australia’s diverse ethnic communities. Community information sourced through CLO activities is used to support and refine cultural diversity policy development and implementation and enhance government programs.

Community liaison and engagement is also pursued through the government’s relationship with the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA).  FECCA is funded to provide advice on Australia’s diverse communities.

The Community Information Summaries describe overseas-born Australians by birthplace, and their descendants who are living in Australia.
See: Community Information Summaries

National Action Plan

The National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP) commenced in 2005-06 as a whole-of-government initiative. The department's active role in the NAP ceased as of 1 July 2010.
See: A National Action Plan

The department continues to support culturally diverse vulnerable communities through its community engagement activities under the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program. More information about this program is available on the department's website.
See:
Diversity and Social Cohesion Program
Settlement Grants Program
Whole-of-Government Approach