National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia
Social justice
The Commonwealth Government's social justice strategy seeks to redress inequities that continue to exist in Australian society.
Multicultural policies are directed toward eliminating those inequalities which derive from cultural, racial, religious or linguistic difference.
They are premised on the belief that all Australians, whatever their ethnic origin, are entitled to genuine equality of treatment and equality of opportunity in all spheres of community life, including equal access to and an equitable share of the resources which governments manage on behalf of the community.
In this way, multiculturalism expresses and complements the Government's broader social justice strategy which is designed to ensure that the benefits flowing from its economic policies are fairly distributed throughout the community.
The Government defines a socially just Australia as one in which there is:
-
a fair distribution of economic resources;
-
equal access to essential services such as housing, health care and education;
-
equal rights in civil, legal and industrial affairs; and
-
equal opportunity for participation by all in personal development, community life and decision-making.
The ethnic, racial and religious diversity of contemporary Australia means that there exist barriers of language, culture or prejudice which continue to prevent some Australians from gaining a fair go or a fair share. Multicultural policies are intended to minimise such barriers and to equalise life chances.
Issues
Objectives
Achievements
National Agenda Initiatives
Next: National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia - human resources
Previous: National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia - basic rights