$15 million has been invested in Australia’s vibrant and diverse multicultural communities by the Federal Government.
The investment will empower local communities to embrace the benefits of multiculturalism and maintain cohesive, socially inclusive neighbourhoods.
These measures reaffirm the Gillard Governments commitment to multiculturalism and complement the Government’s People of Australia policy which reinforces an appreciation of the benefits our diverse communities present.
The measures include:
Working in partnership with the Scanlon Foundation, the Migration Council of Australia and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute to engage local coordinators in up to 100 communities across Australia to enhance social inclusion and improve connections to support services provided by the three spheres of government;
A commitment to provide resources to improve infrastructure to enhance social inclusion and create meeting places that bring together individuals and families in the community;
Expanding the current Diversity and Social Cohesion Program to meet significant demand in this program and provide capacity for specific investments to promote social inclusion and build resilience in particular communities at risk of social discord; and
Increasing resources for language translation services for Commonwealth programs to ensure all Australians have equal access to government services and programs.
These policy measures will build on the important work that local organisations are already undertaking in their communities. They will support people from multicultural backgrounds by strengthening community ties and providing pathways to employment, as well as training and language services. Australia’s future will be based on participation and inclusion. Evidence over generations demonstrates that providing a welcoming, accessible and supportive environment for migrant families when they arrive in Australia and throughout their lives leads to better social and economic outcomes in the short, medium and long term.