South Australia’s Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison wants feedback on the new Multicultural Charter for the State.

In a supplied statement the minister said the South Australian government wants to hear from all South Australians.

“I invite everyone to provide feedback on the draft South Australian Multicultural Charter and to consider if the principles reflect a South Australia you want to live in,” Ms Bettison said.

South Australians’ input will help inform and finalise the South Australian Multicultural Charter the minister added.

This is part of the government’s focus on equal participation and creating a deeper “understanding of and respect for all cultures.”

The draft charter contains the principles that will guide policy development and service delivery for the state and has been drafted in consultation with members of the South Australian Multicultural Commission and representatives of multicultural organisations, academics, and the community.

Bettison said “South Australia is a diverse multicultural society” and that the Charter explores challenges such as “unconscious bias or discrimination.”

The Multicultural Charter will also engage businesses and government agencies to actively consider the Charter’s principles in their work.

Along with a call for feedback the minister has announced an $16 million over four years to the South Australian multicultural sector under the EXPAND TOGETHER grants.

“I am delighted to announce that applications for Multicultural Affairs’ (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) EXPAND TOGETHER grants are now open,” Ms Bettison’s statement read.

The grants are aimed at upgrading community facilities or purchasing equipment at for multicultural organisations to better meet the needs of the communities they serve. Applications are open now and close 11pm, 15 January 2023.

Organisations can apply for equipment and infrastructure for up to $100,000 and round 1 is opens now and round 2 opens next June.

Application forms are available at www.multicultural.sa.gov.au.

Consultation on the draft Multicultural Charter are now open and forums will be held through November and an online survey through YourSAy

To view the draft Multicultural Charter go to https://yoursay.sa.gov.au/southaustralianmulticulturalcharter