Today, the Malinauskas Labor government of South Australia launched the Multicultural South Australia Ambassador Program, which aims to entrench the Multicultural Charter into ways of doing business.

The statement from the SA government bolts five organisations to the Ambassador pilot – Cancer Council of SA, City of West Torrens, Mitsubishi Motors Australia, PKF Adelaide and RAA.

The state’s Multicultural Charter, launched in March by Malinauskas, acknowledges SA’s culturally diverse history and promotes a “unified, harmonious, and inclusive South Australian community that values, respects and supports diversity.”

The ambassador program wants to make the Charter a core principle in the workforce and business practices.

Zoe Bettison, the minister for multicultural affairs, said in a statement that the program will provide “greater tools” for organisations to “support and nurture their culturally diverse workforce is not only an important outcome for community members, but we know is also good for business.”

The minister added that the ambassador organisations “will undergo their journey of cultural diversity and awareness”, which she said will aid in augmenting skills and experience “at a time when South Australia needs them the most.”

“While organisations in South Australia often strive to attract staff, just as importantly, they are also trying to retain staff. The culture within the organisation plays a significant role in both of these things.”
Bettison called the organisation involved “eminent South Australian organisations” and added that the “pilot shows the importance of multiculturalism within their workplaces.”

“This pilot will guide best practice for other South Australian organisations who want a workplace that reflects and respects the multicultural society this state is built on,” Bettison said.

In the same statement issued by the SA government, Nick Reade, the CEO of RAA, said that as the state’s “most trusted brand”, the RAA is “very proud to be a part of this significant pilot for South Australian organisations.”

“It’s important that our workforce reflects the broad range of cultures represented in our membership base and community here in
South Australia.”