Act Draft Multicultural Strategy Consult

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010-2013

DRAFT FOR COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 1     

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH READING THIS PUBLICATION?

The ACT Government is committed to making its information, services, events and venues accessible to as many people as possible. A glossary of the terms and abbreviations used in this document are available at Appendix A. If you have difficulty reading a standard printed document and would like to receive this publication in an alternative format — such as large print or audio — please telephone (02) 6205 0619. If English is not your first language and you require the Translating and Interpreting Services, please telephone 131 450. The National Relay Service provides telephone relay services for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. ƒ

Type & Read, Type & Listen, or Speak & Read: 133 677

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Speak & Listen (speech-to-speech relay): 1300 555 727

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Internet Relay Call: www.relayservice.com.au

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Call the National Relay Service and ask to be connected to the ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs on (02) 6207 0555.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 VISION  ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7 CANBERRA ‐ A MULTICULTURAL CITY........................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 WHY AN ACT MULTICULTURAL STRATEGY? ................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 RIGHTS .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13 RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 SUPPORT THROUGH POLICY .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14

WHERE HAVE WE BEEN? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 WHERE ARE WE GOING? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 OUR GOALS ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................24 WHAT WILL WE FOCUS ON ? ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25 ACCOUNTABILITY ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25 REPORTING ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26

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ACT MULTICULTURAL STRATEGY 2010 ‐2013 ............................................................................................................................................................................ 27 DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................27 FOCUS AREA 1: LANGUAGES ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................31 FOCUS AREA 2: CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ................................................................................................................................................................................................36 FOCUS AREA 3: OLDER PEOPLE AND AGED CARE ...............................................................................................................................................................................................40 FOCUS AREA 4: WOMEN.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................43 FOCUS AREA 5: REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS.............................................................................................................................................................................................46 FOCUS AREA 6: TRADITIONS, HERITAGE AND RELIGIOUS ACCEPTANCE ............................................................................................................................................................50

FEEDBACK ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Appendix A: Glossary of Terms ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 55 Appendix B: Report on actions from Multicultural Strategy 2006‐2009 ....................................................................................................................................... 57 The ACT Government: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................57 The ACT Government agencies:..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................59

Appendix C: Information on refugees and asylum seekers ........................................................................................................................................................... 66

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MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER (PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Capital Territory is Ngunnawal country. The Ngunnawal are the Indigenous people of this region, its first inhabitants and the traditional custodians of this land. Their continuing culture and the vital contribution they make to the life of this region is highly respected and greatly valued. The ACT Government acknowledges the historical dispossession and its continuing legacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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VISION

The vision of the ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010-2013 is to create a community where multicultural traditions and heritage are celebrated as part of a safe, cohesive and harmonious society which upholds the human rights of the people who live here. In linking with the Canberra Social Plan, it also aims to ensure that the diverse skills and culture of the people who live in Canberra are developed and used to produce social and economic outcomes.    

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CANBERRA - A MULTICULTURAL CITY The demographics of Canberra’s population make it, by definition, a multicultural community. The 2006 Census shows that Canberrans come from over 200 different countries, bringing with them many different languages, religions, customs and traditions. Approximately 22 per cent of the population in the ACT was born overseas.

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE There are approximately 4,000 people living in the ACT who identified themselves as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, just over one per cent of the population. According to the 2006 Census, 36.2 per cent of the Indigenous population was children under the age of 14 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia is made up of many different nations. A significant number of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live in the ACT have moved to this region from other parts of Australia.

NEW AND EMERGING COMMUNITIES New and emerging communities in Canberra add to the rich multicultural life of our city. There have been 2,491 humanitarian arrivals in the ACT from July 1991 to April 2009. 1 The ten foremost places of birth of people arriving as humanitarian entrants are: Sudan, Former Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, The People’s Republic of China, Burma; Croatia;

                                                             1

 This information is sourced from DIAC’s Citizenship’s Settlement Database (SDB). 

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and Myanmar 2 . These figures do not account for secondary migration by those refugees who initially reside in other cities and then move to Canberra within a short time of arriving in Australia.

LANGUAGES SPOKEN According to the 2006 Census, approximately 170 languages are spoken in the ACT region. In addition, approximately 14 per cent of the ACT population speaks a language other than English at home. The 2006 Census also indicated that approximately two per cent of the population (6,500 people) could not speak English well or not at all. The 2006 Census revealed that the top 10 languages other than English spoken in the ACT, in descending order, were: Mandarin, Italian, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Greek, Croatian, Spanish, German, Arabic and Hindi.

RELIGION According to the 2006 Census, approximately 60 per cent (210,000) of Canberrans identified as having a religious affiliation. The broad groups of these religions were: Christianity (195,000 people), Buddhism (7,000 people), Islam (4,000 people), Hinduism (3,000 people) other religions (2000 persons), and Judaism (500 persons).

                                                             2

 Data from ABS indicated some people identified as being from Burma with others listing their birthplace as Myanmar. 

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OLDER PERSONS OF CULTURALLY DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS The 2006 Census showed that approximately 17 per cent (5,500) of Canberrans aged 65 and over were born overseas. Of these individuals, approximately 56 per cent were aged between 65 and 74 years. The main countries of birth and language spoken at home of these individuals were Italy (900 people), Germany (680 people), and Croatia (510 people). The 2006 Census revealed that approximately 13 per cent of the people who live in nursing homes and 14 per cent of the people who live in retirement accommodation were of multicultural backgrounds.

WOMEN According to the 2006 Census, approximately 22 per cent of females in the ACT were born overseas. Furthermore, approximately 41 per cent of all females in the ACT had at least one parent born overseas 3 . The Parliamentary Agreement signed in October 2008, between the ACT Labor Party and the ACT Greens commits to phase in the publication of gender impact statements and gender disaggregated data associated with ACT Government legislation, policies, budget and annual reports by 2010 4 . Gender impact statements will provide an assessment of the impact of proposed and existing policies and programs on women, men, girls and boys.

                                                             3

 These statistics include individuals with ancestries of English speaking origin. 

4

 Parliamentary Agreement For the 7th Legislative Assembly for the ACT, Item 11.6.  

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CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE The 2006 Census showed that approximately 10 per cent (10,800) of Canberrans between the ages of 0-24 years were born overseas 5 . Furthermore, 35 per cent (26,500) of dependent children and young people in the ACT aged between 0-24 years of age have at least one parent born overseas. The 2006 Census indicated that approximately five per cent of students in the ACT aged between 4-16 years were born in a nonEnglish speaking country. The top three non-English speaking countries of origin for these students were: India (180 students), China (150 students) and the Philippines (140 students).

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International students make an important contribution to the multicultural life of our city through their participation in social and cultural activities as well as contributing to the local economy. The high reputation enjoyed by Canberra’s education system, as well as the safe and harmonious nature of the Canberra community, makes studying in the ACT appealing to international students and their families. Each year significant numbers of international students come to Canberra to undertake English language, vocational and higher education studies. Currently, there are 920 international students participating in English language intensive courses, 1,000

                                                             5

 This figure could include some individuals who were born in Australian territories, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

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international vocational education and training students and 4,400 international higher education students. It is anticipated that 550 international students will travel to attend ACT Public Schools in 2010. In 2009, there were 7,314 overseas born students enrolled in ACT educational institutions. The countries with the highest representation are: China (2,607), Malaysia (473), India (448), Republic of South Korea (447), Vietnam (373), Singapore (309), Saudi Arabia (246), Hong Kong (245), Pakistan (202) and Indonesia (190) 6 .

THE DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY The presence of the diplomatic community – which currently has representation from 94 countries in Canberra – makes Canberra’s multiculturalism unique amongst Australian jurisdictions. Canberra has grown side by side with the increased numbers of Diplomatic Missions represented here. The active nature of the diplomatic community has assisted to create an atmosphere of understanding and appreciation of different cultures in the broader Canberra community. In addition to benefitting from Canberra’s existing vibrant multicultural community, the diplomatic community continues to make a valuable contribution to multiculturalism in the ACT. This is particularly apparent through its increasing participation in the annual National Multicultural Festival, and Floriade, as well as through the organisation of open days and National Days.

                                                             6

 Data provided by ACT Department of Education and Training, 2009. 

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WHY AN ACT MULTICULTURAL STRATEGY? Human rights are the foundation of a socially progressive society. From these comes a shared recognition of individual’s rights and responsibilities and enabling government policy. Canberra will be strengthened though the assurances that all of its people have equal access to opportunities for economic, social and political inclusion. In this way, the ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010 – 2013, supported by the Human Rights Act (2004) (ACT) and Discrimination Act (1991) (ACT) will provide a solid foundation and gives rise to a legal duty on ACT public authorities for partnerships, for community relations, for advocacy and for supportive programs and activities. Within the laws of the ACT and Australia, rights and responsibilities provide the positive basis for celebrating and responding to the needs of Canberra’s multicultural community and the goals outlined in this strategy.

RIGHTS All individuals have the right to:

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maintain, practise and promote their culture and language.

•

cultural expression and understanding.

•

practise their religious and spiritual beliefs within the laws of the ACT and Australia.

•

equal access to government services and programs.

•

participate in, and to contribute to, the social, cultural and economic life of the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES All individuals have a responsibility to: •

respect the culture, language and religion of others

•

treat everyone in a fair and respectful manner.

•

recognise and accept the linguistic and cultural assets of the ACT

•

protect the privacy of the individuals (particularly service providers).

SUPPORT THROUGH POLICY In 2004, ACT Government produced a number of key strategic policies which contain commitments to building a better future for all Canberrans, regardless of their cultural and linguistic background.

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•

The Canberra Plan (2004) was updated August 2008. The Canberra Plan recognises the importance of our multicultural community. It has imbedded within it, the value of the promoting lifelong learning and celebrating participation in community activities, culture, sport, recreation and work-life. It emphasises tolerance, fairness and equity in shaping the way we live and the importance of striving towards a community where all people reach their potential, make a contribution and share the benefits of this community.

•

The Canberra Social Plan (2004) is currently being reviewed. The Canberra Social Plan is an expression of the ACT Government's vision under the social priority area of ‘Respect, diversity and human rights.’ The vision in the Social Plan is for Canberra to become a place where:

All people reach their potential, make a contribution and share the benefits of our community 7 .  •

The Social Compact (2004). The Social Compact complements the Social Plan and is a statement which sets out the relationship between government and community sectors. It establishes a vision of an inclusive community that enables all people to participate and lead purposeful lives - a community that is concerned with the common good as well as the rights and achievements of individuals 8 .

These documents embrace, amongst other themes, the concept of having a community which is socially inclusive and respectful of human rights. They aim to support all Canberrans to participate in community life and to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are respected and supported.  In linking with the Canberra Plan, Canberra Social Plan and The Social Compact, the ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010 – 2013 also aims to ensure that the diverse skills and culture of the people who live in Canberra are developed and promoted to produce social and economic benefits.

                                                             7

 The Social Compact: A Partnership between the Community Sector and the ACT Government p 6. (2004). 

 

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WHERE HAVE WE BEEN? The ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010 – 2013 builds on an initial Multicultural Strategy which was released in 2006. The first strategy was based on community opinion which sought through a series of multicultural community forums and a Multicultural Summit hosted by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. The key focus areas during 2006 – 2009 were:

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human rights

•

equal access and equity

•

ageing and aged care issues

•

cultural and religious acceptance

•

language policy

•

leadership and governance

•

migration of parents

•

settlement services for newly arrived migrants

•

terrorism

•

young people.

This section of the document outlines some of the key initiatives that the ACT Government has implemented as a result of the Multicultural Strategy 2006 -2009. A full list of ACT Government initiatives can be found at Appendix B. HUMAN RIGHTS

The ACT Human Rights Commission was established on 1 November 2006, bringing together the Human Rights Office and Health Complaints Commissioner, with the newly created roles of the Commissioner of Children & Young People and Commissioner for Disability Services. The Human Rights Act (2004) ACT is the first Bill of Rights in Australia. The ACT Government continues to support educational programs and will continue to advocate the introduction of a National Human Rights Act at every opportunity. Of central importance to the development and implementation of this strategy are changes to the Human Rights Act (2004) (ACT). From 1 January 2009, the Human Rights Act (2004) (ACT) was changed to place specific obligations on public authorities such as government agencies and some contractors and community groups (which receive ACT Government funding to deliver services on behalf of the ACT government) to ensure that that they act and make decisions according to the ACT human rights laws. Human rights of particular relevance to multicultural community which are protected under the Human Rights Act include: • • • • • • 17     

recognition and equality before the law protection of privacy and reputation freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief freedom of peaceful assembly and association freedom of expression right to participate in public life

•

rights of minorities.

To ensure the right to a fair trial, the Magistrates Court has developed a notice in 12 languages, which is provided to defendants when they are served with their summons to attend court. A review of Magistrates policy and procedures relating to the provision and use of interpreters in court proceedings and in court registries is currently underway. The ACT Government’s Facing up to Racism: a strategic plan addressing racism and unfair discrimination 2004 -2008 required all ACT Government agencies to report against key actions outlined in the plan through a report card every two years. In 2006, the first report card was published highlighting various initiatives undertaken by ACT Government agencies. ACCESS AND EQUITY

ACT Government agencies have shown commitment to provision of information about key services and programs in languages other than English when requested. Resources have been dedicated to training staff who work in or with government agencies to assist people from multicultural backgrounds. From 2006, The Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre has permanently accommodated peak and local community organisations. The centre provides for a variety of community events including meetings, functions and exhibitions on both local and international culture. Agencies such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs, ACT Health, Territory & Municipal Services (TAMS) and Corrective Services have provided specific Work Experience, Support Programs which assist Canberrans from multicultural backgrounds enter the workforce. The uptake of ACT Health’s Well Women’s appointments by women from multicultural backgrounds was reported as increasing in 2006, and again in 2007– 2008 to 28 per cent of all appointments. 18     

Projects which ensure that the Territory’s multicultural communities have access to information in cases of emergency have been another important step to reducing barriers to service access in the ACT. AGEING AND AGED CARE ISSUES

A focus of the Multicultural Strategy 2006 – 2009 was on health and community care which would meet the need of ACT’s ageing multicultural community. Staff and volunteers who work with older people from culturally diverse backgrounds have been provided with training in how to appropriately attend to end of life decisions, and dementia care needs of this group and the people who care for them. The appointment of a multicultural representative on the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing has ensured that issues and concerns of older people who have a multicultural background have been heard at the highest level of ACT Government. CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS ACCEPTANCE

The ACT Government policy on multiculturalism supports the fostering and promotion of cultural diversity as a means to enhance social cohesion. For example, the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs established the ACT Ministerial Muslim Advisory Council (ACTMAC) in 2006. The Council facilitates dialogue between community leaders as well as between the Muslim community and the ACT Government. Members of the ACT Legislative Assembly have attended functions and community events to celebrate significant religious and cultural events.

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The Multicultural Festival is a flagship event showcasing multiculturalism. ACT Government funding has supported increased community participation in the festival making it a pinnacle of community engagement. Between 2006 and 2009, the Multicultural Grants Program provided $420,000 funding as a contribution towards the implementation of more than 450 projects between 2006 and 2009 that promoted the ethnic diversity and social harmony in our community. For example, an Arts Officer was employed and assisted multicultural groups with their projects. The Office of Multicultural Affairs distributes the weekly ACT Multicultural Community News Bulletin. Schools across Canberra have participated in annual Harmony Day celebrations in recognition of our multicultural community in response to the focus of celebrating multicultural diversity. LANGUAGE POLICY

Funding available under the Community Languages Grants Program and the Multicultural Radio Grants Program has increased by 20 per cent and additional funding was provided to support language programs in ACT Government schools. The ACT Government supported the use of community radio and multicultural broadcasters in the ACT through the administration of the Multicultural Radio Grants Program with funding of $400,000. The funding was allocated for over 160 projects and was undertaken by multicultural broadcasters and two radio stations. The Multicultural Language Schools Grants program has assisted in the operation of community language schools in the ACT with a focus on schools in greatest need. $190,000 was allocated to 26 schools and the peak organisation, ACT Ethnic Schools Association to support their activities.

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The ACT Library and Information Service now holds more than 18 language collections either developed for larger communities or through donated material from smaller communities. Every library holds a collection for learning English, as well as providing access to the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). Special resources are available to assist new settlers. The ACT Library and Information Service have bilingual picture books in many languages and have supported English conversation groups in partnership with local organisations. LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

In October 2006, the ACT Government decided to establish an Indigenous Elected Body under its own legislation. The ATSI Elected Body legislation was passed in May 2008 and members were elected in July 2008. The elected body provides a voice for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community maximizing the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the formulation, coordination and implementation of government policies and laws which affect them. ACT Government agencies recognise the advantages of listening to and learning from multicultural leaders and have appointed multicultural representatives to committees. For example, the ACT Cultural Council, the principle advisory body to the ACT Government now includes representation of people from multicultural backgrounds. ‘Leadership and governance’ training for members elected on the executive committees of local cultural communities in the ACT has been supported by the ACT Government in partnership with community organisations. The Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF) was established in 2006. The CMCF continues to provide an advocacy and referral service to about 80 local cultural community groups to support good governance and leadership.

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Support for training of key members of the local Muslim community to appear before the media as well as educating journalists from mainstream media on the Muslim culture aimed to build community capacity and increase cultural knowledge within the wider community. MIGRATION OF PARENTS SETTLEMENT SERVICES FOR NEWLY ARRIVED MIGRANTS

The ACT Government has promoted the value of the migration of parents and other family members to the Australian Government at appropriate forums. The ACT Government has significantly expanded the range of essential services available, free of charge, to refugees and asylum seekers and implemented the Refugee Transitional Housing Program. The Live in Canberra initiative supported the Skilled and Business Migration Program in its aim of attracting skilled workers and their families to Canberra from overseas. A series of bi-monthly Welcome to Canberra events for new arrivals to Canberra in the last 12 months was also part of this program. ANTI-TERRORISM

The ACT Chief Minister has taken a national leadership role in discussion related to the anti-terrorism legislation. Facing Up to Racism: a strategic plan addressing racism and unfair discrimination 2004 – 2008 became the cornerstone of action to counteract racism and human rights concerns related to terrorism.

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YOUNG PEOPLE

Provisions in the Powers of Attorney Act (2006) have been enacted to provide protection to carers, particularly young carers. A successful Multicultural Youth Forum was held in 2007. Over 120 delegates from multicultural communities in the ACT attended this forum. An international student internship pilot program called, StudentConnect has been established. The program offers final year tertiary students the opportunity to gain valuable, course-related employment while completing their studies.

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WHERE ARE WE GOING? The ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010 - 2013 recognises that multiculturalism in the ACT is our way of life. The vision of the ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010-2013 is to create a community where multicultural traditions and heritage are celebrated as part of a safe, cohesive and harmonious society which upholds the human rights of the people who live here. The ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010-2013 has been developed around key issues raised in consultations with the local multicultural community groups in 2007 and 2008, culminating in the Multicultural Summit held in August 2008 and subsequent community consultations in early 2009. The ACT Government is now seeking comment or submissions from individuals or organisations on the second draft of the ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010-2013.

OUR GOALS The following are the goals of the ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010 – 2013:

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enhance participation of Canberrans from multicultural backgrounds in all levels of Canberra’s community life

•

enhance opportunities to celebrate and showcase the diverse traditions and cultural heritages within the Canberra community

•

enhance levels of appropriate and accessible support for those individuals from multicultural backgrounds who choose to live in Canberra

•

encourage leadership and commitment by both government and the community sector in advancing, acknowledging, reflecting and responding to the cultural diversity in the ACT.  

WHAT WILL WE FOCUS ON? Consultations with the community identified six focus areas to be addressed over the next four years: •

Languages

•

Children and young people

•

Ageing and aged care

•

Women

•

Refugees and asylum seekers

•

Traditions, heritage and religious acceptance.

ACCOUNTABILITY The ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010 – 2013 specifies key activities and desired outcomes to be supported by all ACT Government agencies. The overarching principles contained in this strategy will be used to develop performance indicators based on the desired outcomes of this strategy.

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So that the Strategy is based on community needs, it will be a requirement that ACT Government agencies and interested community groups and businesses gather and analyse data about the effectiveness of current services, and any opportunities of need. Government policies alone can not alter the status quo. Each section of the ACT community has been provided with opportunities to lead the development of, contribute to, and comment on this Strategy – and each will play a central role in its successful implementation.

REPORTING In order to keep the strategy alive and relevant, ACT Government agencies will report on outcomes and activities in this strategy in June each year. The progress reports will also provide guidance for ongoing development and direction of this strategy in order to achieve the vision and goals outlined.

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AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

ACT MULTICULTURAL STRATEGY 2010 -2013 DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

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OUR GOALS The following are the goals of the ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010 – 2013 are to: •

enhance participation of Canberrans from multicultural backgrounds in all levels of Canberra’s community life

•

enhance opportunities to celebrate and showcase the diverse traditions and cultural heritages within the Canberra community

•

enhance levels of appropriate and accessible support for those individuals from multicultural backgrounds who choose to live in Canberra

•

encourage leadership and commitment by both government and the community sector in advancing, acknowledging, reflecting and responding to the cultural diversity in the ACT.

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The six areas of focus •

Languages

•

Children and young people

•

Older people and aged care

•

Women

•

Refugees and emerging communities

•

Traditions, heritage and religious acceptance. 

Desired Outcomes Desired outcomes highlight the key activities that will demonstrate that progress is being made towards achieving the objectives in each of the focus areas. It is anticipated that the desired outcomes will form the basis of Key Performance Indicators to be included in the final strategy.

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DRAFT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOCUS AREAS

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FOCUS AREA 1: LANGUAGES Introduction It is an asset for the ACT when people have the ability to speak more than one language. Such language skills contribute to the maintenance of culture and identity, and foster diversity and a vibrant community. Encouraging language skills upholds a key component of the ‘Rights of minorities’ outlined in Section 27 of the Human Rights Act 2004, which requires that persons of linguistic minorities have the right to use his or her language. Languages also play a significant role in making access to services equitable for all people through the translation and interpretation of information. As such, interpreters and translators have a key role to play in using languages to benefit the broader community.9 Using interpreters and translators ensures that service delivery is responsive and of a high quality. In addressing the principles of access and equity, the ACT Government also recognises that it is important for Canberrans who do not speak English well or at all to have opportunities to learn English. Objectives •

To provide opportunities for all Canberrans to value, acquire, utilise and maintain language skills for the benefit of the broader community.

•

To ensure that services and programs are accessible to all Canberrans who do not speak the English language well or not at all.

                                                             9

 An interpreter is a person who conveys an oral message or statement from one language into another language. A translator is a person who makes a written transfer of a  message or statement from one language into another language. 

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Objective To provide opportunities for all Canberrans to value, acquire, utilise and maintain language skills for the benefit of the broader community.

Strategies

Lead agencies

•

Develop a whole of government language policy for the ACT.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Use the National Multicultural Festival to promote languages.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Develop and strengthen partnerships with tertiary institutions, Diplomatic Missions and other non-government institutions involved in the teaching of languages.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Continue to support the use of community radio stations catering to multicultural broadcasters in the ACT through the Multicultural Radio Grants Program

DHCS (OMA)

•

Liaise with local universities to offer courses to up-skill teachers delivering languages programs in ACT public primary schools.

DET

•

Investigate provision of a range of staffing and resourcing models to assist students to continue studying the same language in ACT public primary and high schools.

DET

•

Continue to provide courses in languages other than English through the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).

CIT

•

Provide funding to strengthen the capacity of the ACT Ethnic Schools Association to build the quality of community language schools in the ACT.

•

DET

Provide resource support direct to ACT community language schools through the ACT Multicultural Community Language Grants.

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Objective

Strategies •

Continue to operate the Introductory English Centres in ACT Public Schools.

•

Continue to support the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL) in ACT Public Schools.

•

•

To ensure that services, programs and resources which are accessible to Canberrans who do not speak or write the English language well or not at all.

Continue to provide the opportunity to access childcare to humanitarian entrants undertaking English lessons at CIT. Provide opportunities for ACT Government employees who wish to improve their English language skills to have access to appropriate support in the workplace.

•

Continue to develop and undertake effective teacher retention strategies in ACT Public Schools to assist with the teaching of other languages.

•

Provide targeted programs of professional development and web-based teaching support resources for language teachers in ACT public schools.

•

Network with local, national and international educators of modern languages to ensure best practices in ACT public schools.

•

Facilitate access to accredited interpreters when delivering services to people who do not speak English well or at all.

•

Continue to provide free and confidential interpreters for Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish and Vietnamese speaking people.

Lead agencies DET

DET

CIT

All agencies DET

DET

DET All agencies

ACT Health

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Objective

Strategies •

Provide translated information about key services and programs, as well as providing information in alternative formats such as large print or audio.

•

Promote and distribute, in partnership with DIAC, ‘I need an interpreter’ card through ACT Government agencies and key locations, such as ACT Government Shopfronts.

•

The Emergency Services Agency will work with multicultural communities, including the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, to establish a database of contact information for the provision of warning information or advice about any impending or current major emergency in the ACT.

•

Ensure all ACT Government agencies inform Office of Multicultural Affairs of information which has been translated

•

Invite community organisations to make relevant publications that have been translated available at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre.

•

All agencies will provide the Office of Multicultural Affairs with details of public information they have had translated, so that a knowledge bank can be established.

Lead agencies (Migrant Health) All agencies DHCS

JACS (ESA)

All agencies

DHCS All agencies

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Desired Outcomes Keys outcomes which will demonstrate an acceptable level of progress towards meeting the objectives in this Focus Area are: Providing opportunities for all Canberrans to value, acquire, utilise and maintain language skills for the benefit of the broader community. •

A whole-of-government language policy for the ACT is developed and implemented by 2012

•

ACT community radio stations continue to deliver quality programs in languages other than English

•

Increased accessibility for languages courses other than English.

Ensuring that services, programs and resources are accessible to Canberrans who do not speak or write the English language well or not at all. •

Accredited interpreters are made available by all ACT Government agencies when delivering services to people who do not speak or write English well or at all

•

“I need an interpreter card” are provided at all ACT Government shop fronts and agencies

•

All ACT Government agencies provide a list of all their translated publications to the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

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FOCUS AREA 2: CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE Introduction The Human Rights Act 2004, Section 11 (2) asserts that children have the right to protection because they are children and that they should be afforded this right without distinction or discrimination of any kind. Providing a safe environment for children is paramount for our community. Children and young people 10 - including those from diverse backgrounds - must be protected and nurtured because of their age and vulnerability, and because they are the future members and leaders of our community. 11 To promote this aim, the ACT Government is pursuing a process for making Canberra a Child-Friendly City. The concept of Child-Friendly Cities is linked to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Convention), of which Australia is a signatory. Being a ‘Child-Friendly City’ is about making a commitment to children’s rights and participation in the community and having a plan to progress this commitment. Developing Canberra into a truly Child-Friendly City will have enormous benefits for multicultural children and young people. 12 Community consultation for the Multicultural Strategy showed that key issues faced by multicultural young people were in the areas of health (particularly mental health), consumer protection, legal awareness, homelessness, education, intergenerational conflict and cultural understanding. These factors can lead to social isolation for diverse children and young people.

                                                             10

 The Children and Young People Act 2008 defines ‘child’ as ‘a person who is under 12 years old’ (Section 11) and a ‘young person’ as ‘a person who is 12 years old or older,  but not yet an adult’ (Section 12). 

11

 See also the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its general comments, particularly Article 10 which relates to the right of the child to be in the same  country as his or her parents, Article 12 which states that children and young people should be listened to and their views seriously considered and Article 30 which relates to  the right of the child ‘to enjoy his or her culture, to profess and practise his or her own religion, or to use his or her language’. 

12

 The Centre for Multicultural Youth (2008). National Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (NMYAN) Multicultural Youth Briefing Paper. Melbourne; Victoria. 

36 

 

Objectives •

To provide children and young people of multicultural backgrounds with access age appropriate support services in order to protect their health and wellbeing.

•

Enhance social participation of young people from a multicultural background

•

Improve access to services which support the mental health of multicultural children and young people

Objective Services are accessible to children and young people from multicultural backgrounds

Strategies

Lead agencies

•

Appropriately consult with children and young people of multicultural backgrounds, including from humanitarian backgrounds, through existing mechanisms, in relation to development of policies and programs that will affect them.

DHCS (OCYFS)

•

A review of existing internal funding allocation arrangements for youth and family services

DHCS (OCYFS)

•

Provide support to youth centres to meet the needs of young people from multicultural backgrounds, highlighting provision of drop-in centres and opportunities for young people to freely access the Road Ready course.

DHCS (OCYFS)

•

Promote opportunities for people to obtain driving skills, including through Youth InterACT; youth centres; and Catholic Care (Formerly Centacare)

DHCS (OMA)

•

Promote services which provide support, information and assistance for young people who are experiencing emotional or mental health stressors.

•

Work in partnership with community organisations to provide housing for young people experiencing homelessness.

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT & DHCS (OCYFS) DHCS (Housing ACT)

37 

 

Objective

Strategies

Lead agencies

•

Promote the Child and Family Centres to the multicultural community sector.

DHCS (OCYFS)

Enhance social participation of young people from a multicultural background

•

Enhance participation for multicultural young people during annual Youth Week and associated activities.

DHCS (OMA and OCYFS)

•

Ensure relevant representation of multicultural children and young people on panels, committees and other advisory roles.

DHCS (OCYFS)

Improve access to services which support the mental health of multicultural children and young people

•

Ensure young people who have multicultural backgrounds have a voice through the ACT Transcultural Mental Health Network.

•

Develop and deliver a broad-based social marketing campaign which takes an integrated approach to promoting mental and physical health and well being

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT) ACT Health

•

•

•

•

Increase information provision, including translated documents to children and young people from multicultural backgrounds about mental health services. Consider ways to support progress of the pilot Headspace ACT program and its integration with CAMHS and adult mental health services as a way to improve early intervention Investigate mechanisms to train those working with young people in the detection and identification of anxiety disorders . Extend services for youth to include separate step up/step down services and a dedicated inpatient unit.

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT) ACT Health (Mental Health ACT)

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT) ACT Health (Mental Health ACT)

38 

 

Desired Outcomes Keys outcomes which will demonstrate an acceptable level of progress towards meeting the objectives in this Focus Area are: To provide children and young people of multicultural backgrounds with access age appropriate support services in order to protect their health and wellbeing. •

Children and young people from multicultural backgrounds are consulted about tailoring services to meet their needs.

Enhance social participation of young people from a multicultural background. •

Increased promotion of services to children and young people from multicultural backgrounds.

Improve access to services which support the mental health of multicultural children and young people. •

Extend services for youth to include separate step up/step down services and a dedicated inpatient unit.

39 

 

FOCUS AREA 3: OLDER PEOPLE AND AGED CARE Introduction Older people from multicultural backgrounds can experience particular barriers, such as social isolation, difficulty accessing government services and the cultural appropriateness of services. 13 These findings mirror the main concerns raised at the 2008 Multicultural Summit and during subsequent community consultation on the ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010 -2013. Objectives •

To optimise opportunities for the positive ageing of older people from multicultural backgrounds by increasing opportunities for participation in community life.

•

To provide and promote available resources to address the social needs of older people from multicultural backgrounds.

•

Support older people from multicultural backgrounds to achieve a positive sense of mental health and wellbeing.

Objective Supporting older multicultural people to participate in community life

Strategies

Lead agencies

•

Support family connectedness by providing relevant information, programs and activities.

All agencies

•

Promote the ACT Seniors Grants as one way to enable organisations to promote social inclusion.

DHCS (OfA)

                                                             13

 Cultural & Indigenous Research Centre Australia (2009). Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services: Comparative social isolation amongst older people in  the ACT: Final Report. Sydney; New South Wales. 

40 

 

Objective

Provide and promote resources that are available to address the social needs of older people from multicultural backgrounds

Support older people from multicultural backgrounds to achieve a positive sense of mental health and wellbeing

Strategies

Lead agencies

•

Consult with multicultural groups through existing mechanisms in the design of services and programs for multicultural seniors.

All agencies

•

Continue to provide and promote an ACT regional mini bus service to improve the community engagement of people – including members of the multicultural community – experiencing social isolation as a result of a lack of transport options.

All agencies

•

Continue to provide funding for the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program.

DHCS (Housing ACT)

•

Continue to cater for the educational needs of older people from multicultural backgrounds through adult and community, vocational and higher education.

DET

•

Continue to translate Key ACT Government information about its aged care services.

All agencies

•

Ensure older people from multicultural backgrounds have a voice through the ACT Transcultural Mental Health Network

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT)

•

Increase information provision, including translated documents, to older people from multicultural backgrounds about mental health services.

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT)

•

Develop and deliver a broad-based social marketing campaign which takes an integrated approach to promoting mental and physical health and well being.

ACT Health ACT Health (Mental

41 

 

Objective

Strategies •

•

Increase the availability of training on mental health literacy to multicultural communities. Embed the consultation and liaison role of the MHACT Transcultural Mental Health Liaison and Community Development Officer within the Mental Health sector

Lead agencies Health ACT Health (Mental Health

Desired Outcomes Keys outcomes which will demonstrate an acceptable level of progress towards meeting the objectives in this Focus Area are: To optimise opportunities for the positive ageing of older people from multicultural backgrounds by increasing opportunities for participation in community life. •

Increase the provision of information and programs to promote social participation for older people from multicultural backgrounds.

To provide and promote resources to address the social needs of older people from multicultural backgrounds. •

All agencies will provide the Office of Multicultural Affairs with details of public information they have had translated, so that a knowledge bank can be established.

Support older people from multicultural backgrounds to achieve a positive sense of mental health and wellbeing. •

Programs are developed to address the mental health needs of older people from a multicultural background.

42 

 

FOCUS AREA 4: WOMEN Introduction Women of multicultural backgrounds living in the ACT experience barriers to social connectedness 14 due to factors such as their mental health and wellbeing; domestic violence; limited leadership opportunities; and cross-cultural difficulties. These findings mirror the main concerns raised at the 2008 Multicultural Summit and during subsequent community consultation on the Multicultural Strategy 2010 -2013. Objectives •

To increase representation and recognition of multicultural women on boards, in leadership positions and in the workforce generally.

•

To provide and promote resources which meet the needs of women from multicultural backgrounds.

•

Address the mental health needs of women from multicultural backgrounds.

Objective To increase representation and recognition of multicultural women on boards, in leadership positions and in the workforce generally

Strategies

Lead agencies

•

Promote and support ACT Women’s Day Awards.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Encourage women of multicultural backgrounds to register on the Register of Multicultural Advisors (ROMA)

DHCS (OMA)

•

Establish a micro-credit program to empower women and develop their potential.

•

Distribute relevant information for women of multicultural backgrounds on the

DHCS (OMA, Office for Women)

                                                             14

 See Brewer, B. (2009) multicultural Women in the Australian Capital Territory: Enablers and Barriers to Achieving Social Connectedness 

43 

 

Objective

Strategies Multicultural Community E-news Bulletin. •

Continue to provide and promote the Work Experience Support Program.

•

Continue to provide free assessments of overseas tertiary qualifications obtained by Canberra residents through the overseas Qualifications Unit.

•

Provide and promote resources that are available to address the social needs of women from culturally linguistically diverse backgrounds

CIT to continue to provide a skills recognition service to assist people who do not hold formal qualifications.

Lead agencies DHCS (OMA)

DHCS (OMA) DHCS (OMA)

CIT

•

Continue to provide funding for the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program.

DHCS (Housing ACT)

•

Advertise and promote women’s grants on the Multicultural Community E-news Bulletin

DHCS (OMA)

•

Ensure publications on pathways to address domestic violence are available at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre

DHCS (Office for Women)

•

Support women of multicultural backgrounds to attend courses run by the WIRC, WCHM and others.

DHCS (OMA)

•

WIRC will undertake measures to gather data for multicultural women attending courses run by WIRC and adapt its Client Satisfaction Surveys to enable collection of data for multicultural women.

DHCS (Office for Women)

44 

 

Objective Address the mental health and wellbeing needs of women from multicultural backgrounds

Strategies

Lead agencies

•

Ensure women from multicultural backgrounds have a voice through the Act Transcultural Mental Health Network.

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT)

•

Increase information provision, including translated documents to women from multicultural backgrounds about mental health services.

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT)

•

Develop and deliver a broad-based social marketing campaign which takes an integrated approach to promoting mental health and well being.

ACT Health

Desired Outcomes Keys outcomes which will demonstrate an acceptable level of progress towards meeting the objectives in this Focus Area are: To increase representation and recognition of multicultural women on boards, in leadership positions and in the workforce generally. •

Increase the number of women from multicultural backgrounds registered with ROMA.

To provide and promote resources which meet the needs of women from multicultural backgrounds. •

Increase the accessibility and distribution of resources available to women from multicultural backgrounds.

Address the mental health needs of women from multicultural backgrounds. •

Programs developed or adapted to help meet the mental health needs of women from multicultural backgrounds.

45 

 

FOCUS AREA 5: REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS Introduction Article 14.1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, "Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution." 15 This principle formed the basis of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. 16 Australia is a signatory to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. 17 Further information on the definition of refugees and asylum seekers is available at Appendix C. Although it is not possible to project the numbers of refugees and asylum seekers expected to arrive in the ACT over the coming years, the ACT Government has a responsibility to assist these members of the community in their resettlement especially to address gaps in the settlement services available through the Australian Government. Objectives •

Identify issues that are important to addressing the needs of refugees and asylum seekers

•

Develop and distribute resources to meet the needs of refugees and asylum seekers

•

Increase participation in education, social activities and employment by humanitarian entrants

•

To provide access to health and wellbeing services which meet the needs of humanitarian entrants

                                                             15

 See the United Nations High Commission for Refugees website, and in particular the page on Definitions and Obligations  (http://www.unhcr.org.au/basicdef.shtml#def01)  16  See the United Nations High Commission for Refugees website, and in particular the page on Definitions and Obligations  (http://www.unhcr.org.au/basicdef.shtml#def01)  17  The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees is available at: http://www.unhcr.org.au/pdfs/convention.pdf 

46 

 

Objective Identify issues that are important to addressing the needs of refugees and asylum seekers

Provide and promote resources that are available to address the social needs of refugees and asylum seekers

Increase participation in education, social activities and employment by humanitarian entrants

Strategies

Lead agencies

•

Continue to meet to assist with the identification of issues through the Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Humanitarian (RASH) Coordination Committee including evidenced based assessment of the needs of young people.

•

Address actions arising from the RASH Coordination Committee.

•

Continue to participate in the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, and its associated Standing committee, meetings.

•

Continue to participate at Community on Migration, Planning and Settlement Services meetings.

•

Promote and distribute a brochure of useful settlement contact information for refugees, asylum seekers and other humanitarian entrants.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Promote Youth Centres to children and young people with refugee, asylum seeker and other humanitarian backgrounds.

DHCS (OCYFS)

•

Enhance the Refugee Transitional Housing Program to support newly arrived DHCS (Housing refugees. ACT)

•

Continue to provide programs for students with a refugee background

•

Continue to provide and promote WESP to refugees.

•

Continue to provide free assessments of overseas tertiary qualifications obtained by Canberra residents who have refugee backgrounds or are asylum

DHCS (OMA)

DHCS (OMA) DHCS (OMA)

DHCS (OMA)

DET

DHCS (OMA)

47 

 

Objective

To provide access to health and wellbeing services which meet the needs of humanitarian entrants

Strategies

Lead agencies

seekers through the Overseas Qualifications Unit.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Continue to provide special English language help for children from multicultural backgrounds

DET

•

CIT will continue to offer a comprehensive skills recognition service which can benefit people who lack formal qualifications.

•

Support initiatives by local settlement service providers that celebrate World Refugee Week.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Medicare ineligible asylum seekers will continue to be given the same access as Health Care Card holders, to public dental and community health services (some of which may incur a cost).

ACT Health

•

Support free ambulance cover for asylum seekers as set out in the Attorney General (Fees) Determination 2009 and subsequent years.

JACS

•

Ensure that refugees and asylum seekers have a voice through the ACT Transcultural Mental Health Network

•

Provide contemporary and informed advice to government agencies on legislation, policies, practices and services that affect people with a mental illness who have been institutionalized.

CIT

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT)

ACT Health (Mental Health ACT)

48 

 

Desired Outcomes Keys outcomes which will demonstrate an acceptable level of progress towards meeting the objectives in this Focus Area are: Identify issues that are important to addressing the needs of refugees and asylum seekers •

Opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers to raise issues are provided.

•

Evidenced based assessment of needs of young refugees and asylum seekers

Develop and distribute resources to meet the needs of refugees and asylum seekers •

Enhancements made to the Refugee Transitional Housing Program

•

Increase in the distribution of the Settlement Information Resources

Increase participation in education, social activities and employment by humanitarian entrants •

Increase in participation in WESP by humanitarian entrants

To provide access to health and wellbeing services which meet the needs of humanitarian entrants •

Free ambulance cover for asylum seekers provided (as set out in Attorney General fees) Determination 2009 and subsequent years.

•

Increased support for the health and well-being of humanitarian entrants.

49 

 

FOCUS AREA 6: TRADITIONS, HERITAGE AND RELIGIOUS ACCEPTANCE Introduction Promoting cultural and religious acceptance contributes to fostering a socially cohesive community. This helps individuals feel comfortable about their identities and can increase a person’s sense of belonging within the broader community. Although Australia is not a party to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the ACT Government support the content of the convention which notes that, “cultural diversity, flourishing within a framework of democracy, tolerance, social justice and mutual respect between peoples and cultures, is indispensible for peace and security at the local, national and international levels”. Objectives •

To provide opportunities to showcase, celebrate and increase community understanding about the cultural diversity of Canberra

•

Increase the capacity of the multicultural community sector

•

To provide opportunities for identification of emerging issues facing ACT multicultural communities

Objective To provide opportunities to showcase, celebrate and increase community understanding about the cultural diversity of Canberra

Strategies

Lead agencies

•

Promote the annual National Multicultural Festival as the premier celebration of multiculturalism in the ACT.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Work with Diplomatic Missions to promote and participate in cultural events.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Work with tertiary institutions in Canberra to encourage the participation of

50 

 

Objective

Strategies international students in cultural events, such as the National Multicultural Festival. •

Remain proactive in celebrating cultural and religious diversity in ACT Government agencies.

•

Continue to administer the Heritage Festival during a two –week period each year

Lead agencies DHCS (OMA)

All agencies

TAMS

•

Host meetings of the ACTMAC, which acts as a conduit between the ACT Muslim community and the ACT Government.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Provide funding under the Multicultural Grants Program for projects that promote social harmony.

DHCS (OMA)

To provide opportunities for identification of emerging issues facing ACT multicultural communities

•

Facilitate meetings between the ACT Government and members of the multicultural community experiencing instances of marginalisation.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Facilitate meetings between the ACT Government and the multicultural community to address breakdowns of social harmony

DHCS (OMA)

Provide opportunities to develop the capacity of the multicultural community sector

•

Continue to provide office and meeting spaces for multicultural community groups, with a focus on new and emerging communities in the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre.

DHCS (OMA)

•

Work in partnership with the Diplomatic Missions to investigate developing

Support multicultural community groups and projects that promote social harmony

DHCS and ACT

51 

 

Objective

•

Strategies

Lead agencies

public spaces (e.g. Latin American Plaza)

Planning and Land Authority

Maintain the ACT Multicultural Community Directory and ensure that it is readily available on the OMA website.

•

Work in partnership with peak organisations to maximise information distribution.

•

Continue to operate the Register of Multicultural Advisors to promote greater leadership opportunities for persons from the multicultural community who are interested and qualified for appointment to government boards and authorities.

•

Provide opportunities for cultural awareness training to ACT Government staff to assist with the culturally appropriate delivery of services and programs.

DHCS (OMA) DHCS (OMA)

DHCS (OMA)

DHCS (OMA)

DHCS (OMA)

•

Continue to administer the Multicultural Grants Program, which can help groups and individuals - including new and emerging ethnic communities to undertake projects which showcase and mark their cultural diversity.

All agencies

•

Work in partnership with the Australian Government to facilitate actions under the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security.

TAMS (Heritage)

•

Continue to administer the ACT Heritage Grants Program to conserve and

52 

 

Objective

Strategies

Lead agencies

promote the heritage of the ACT

Desired Outcomes Keys outcomes which will demonstrate an acceptable level of progress towards meeting the objectives in this Focus Area are: To provide opportunities to showcase, celebrate and increase community understanding about the cultural diversity of Canberra •

Increased participation and attendance at multicultural community events

Increase the capacity of the multicultural community sector •

Increased capacity of the Multicultural sector to participate in community events, committees and activities

To provide opportunities for identification of emerging issues facing ACT multicultural communities •

Increased number of committees and advisory bodies with representation of people from multicultural backgrounds.

53 

 

FEEDBACK The ACT Government welcomes comment about initiatives undertaken by ACT Government agencies to address the aspects of the ACT Multicultural Strategy 2010 -2013. You may provide comments in a variety of ways: ¾ by e-mail to [email protected] ¾ by writing to the Office for Multicultural Affairs, GPO Box 158 Canberra City 2601 ¾ by faxing to (02) 6207 5862 ¾ by phoning (02) 6207 0555

54 

 

Appendix A: Glossary of Terms Term ACT Muslim Advisory Council ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs Canberra Institute of Technology

Acronym ACTMAC OMA CIT

Canberra Multicultural Community Forum

CMCF

Chief Minister's Department

CMD

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds

CALD

Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services

DHCS

Department of Education and Training

DET

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

DIAC

Department of Justice and Community Safety

JACS

Department of Territory and Municipal Services

TAMS

English as a Second Language

ESL

Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services Inc

MARSS

Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

MCIMA

55 

 

Term Multicultural Mental Health Australia Office for Ageing Office for Children, Youth and Family Support ACT Planning and Land Authority

Acronym MMHA OfA OCYFS ACTPLA

Program for After School Studies

PASS

Refugee Review Tribunal

RRT

Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Humanitarian Coordination Committee

RASH

Register of Multicultural Advisors

ROMA

Supported Accommodation Assistance Program

SAAP

Translating and Interpreting Service

TIS

Women's Information and Referral Centre

WIRC

Work Experience and Support Program

WESP

 

56 

 

Appendix B: Report on actions from Multicultural Strategy 2006-2009 The ACT Government: Since the development of the Multicultural Strategy 2006-2009, the ACT Government has implemented the following key initiatives that express the ACT Government’s continued commitment to recognising ‘multiculturalism’ as a positive force in our community: (a)

the Chief Minister took a national leadership role in the debate over the community consultation aspects of the anti-terrorism legislation;

(b)

the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs established the ACT Ministerial Muslim Advisory Council (ACTMAC) to provide advice to the government about issues of concern to the local Muslim community. With the support of the ACT Ministerial Muslim Advisory Council, which was established in 2006, the ACT Government remains committed to addressing issues of marginalisation and promoting cultural and religious awareness and appreciation throughout the community;

(c)

the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs hosted an annual politically bi-partisan dinner to mark the beginning of Ramadan;

(d)

the ACT Government funded several projects since 2006 that successfully facilitated general access by the broader community to the local Islamic Mosque and Canberra Islamic Centre therefore demystifying the facilities for the broader community;

(e)

funding was also made available for training of key members of the local Muslim community to appear before the media on relevant issues as well as educating journalists from mainstream media on the Muslim culture and issues of concern to members of the Muslim community in the ACT;

(f)

the ACT Government promoted the value of the migration of parents and other family members to the Australian Government at appropriate forums such as the annual meeting of the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (MCIMA);

(g)

The Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF) was established and today provides an excellent advocacy and referral service to about 80 local ethnic community groups; and

57 

 

(h)

funding was made available for ‘leadership and governance’ training for members elected on the executive committees of local ethnic communities in the ACT.

(i)

opened the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre – the only one of its type in Australia – permanently accommodating over 35 local ethnic community groups;

(j)

increased the funding available under each of the Multicultural Grants Program; the Community Languages Grants Program and the Multicultural Radio Grants Program by 20%;

(k)

increased funding for the National Multicultural Festival by 25%;

(l)

increased community participation in the National Multicultural Festival by 50% making it the premier community event in Canberra;

(m)

provided additional funding for the teaching of community languages in mainstream schools;

(n)

increased funding support for the Ethnic Schools Association as the peak organisation for community languages schools in the ACT;

(o)

the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs hosted a successful Multicultural Youth Forum in 2007 attracting over 120 youth delegates from all ethnic communities in the ACT;

(p)

conducted specific Work Experience and Support Programs (WESP) for long-term unemployed members of the local Muslim community;

(q)

significantly expanded the range of essential services available, free of charge, to refugees and asylum seeker; and

(r)

implemented the Transitional Refugee Housing Program providing housing for refugee families and asylum seekers in the ACT.

58 

 

The ACT Government agencies: ACT Health ƒ

Published health service-related information in other languages.

ƒ

Provided education/training for health staff in using interpreters, cultural respect, and equity and diversity.

ƒ

The uptake of Well Women’s appointments by women from multicultural backgrounds was reported as increasing in 2006, and again in 2007–08 to 28 per cent of all appointments.

ƒ

ACT Health introduced a policy giving Medicare ineligible asylum seekers access to public hospital care in the ACT

ƒ

A multicultural-specific training package (for mental health clinicians) was revised in response to feedback, and now comprises three components—transcultural mental health assessment, a culturally specific perspective of mental health, and working with interpreters.

ƒ

Trained residential aged care staff and volunteers from the multicultural communities in the basic concepts of palliative and dementia care to provide better support for residents from multicultural backgrounds in end-of-life issues and dementia care.

ƒ

Delivered ongoing training to support staff, service provider volunteers and bilingual group leaders to enhance multicultural women’s access to aged care services.

Chief Minister’s Department (CMD) ƒ

Coordinated the Canberra Nara Candle Festival in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

ƒ

artsACT funded the ACT Multicultural Arts Officer (as part of the ACT Community Arts Office and hosted by the Gorman House Arts Centre) to facilitate, network and assist artists from multicultural backgrounds with their projects.

ƒ

The ACT Cultural Council included representation of people from multicultural backgrounds.

59 

 

ƒ

The Live in Canberra program provided marketing support to the “Skilled and Business Migration Program” in attracting skilled workers and their families to Canberra from overseas.

ƒ

The Live in Canberra program conducted a series of bi-monthly “Welcome to Canberra” events for new arrivals to Canberra in the last 12 months. The database for the welcome event program exceeded 1,000 people, and feedback indicated the program was valued by new arrivals, particularly those from overseas, to develop social networks and to sample the many activities and facilities that Canberra offers.

ƒ

Provided secretariat support to the Nara Sister Committee and worked with community groups and the Nara Municipal Council to maintain the strong level of cultural exchange between Nara and Canberra.

ƒ

Successfully run the “Skilled and Business Migration (SBM) Program”, aimed at attracting skilled people and business investors to move to the ACT from overseas.

ƒ

Introduced the SBM Settlement Service which includes: a dedicated ‘Welcome to Canberra’ team member providing advice and support; a meet and greet service on arrival; a two-hour guided tour of Canberra; accommodation assistance and employment support.

ƒ

Negotiated an agreement with the Canberra Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services ( MARSS) to fund the provision of:

ƒ

a Job Readiness program, assisting migrants find appropriate employment in the short term in positions that will enable them to gain experience in workplace English and culture as well as long term (professional positions.

ƒ

a cultural awareness program to help migrants understand employer expectations, workplace culture norms, punctuality, workplace etiquette and telephone skills.

ƒ

Funded the development of a Canberra Information web portal that allows selected Government sponsored skilled and business migrants to extensively research Canberra based on their personal lifestyle preferences and budget. Users will be able to action many practical activities that will assist potential skilled and business migrants from the pre-arrival to the settling-in phase of their move, including: an introduction to suitable suburbs and schools; understanding rental costs and finding available properties; cost-of-living issues; opening bank accounts; and exploring child care options.

60 

 

ƒ

Initiated StudentConnect, an international student internship pilot program. The objective of the program is to introduce tertiary international students in their final year to a formalised and regular work situation that will have the potential to lead to ongoing employment opportunities. The program offers each student the opportunity to gain valuable, paid, industry-specific and course-related employment while completing their studies.

ƒ

Reintroduced an ACT International Student Ambassador Program which aims to partner with international students at our tertiary institutions to:

ƒ

assist the students better familiarise themselves with Canberra’s facilities and benefits;

ƒ

leverage the future global connections that the significant number of international students living and studying in the ACT offer. These students represent a unique and valuable resource in terms of business and intellectual capital, skills, access to international networks, marketing opportunities for education, business and tourism and the potential to retain some of them as skilled and business migrants.

Department of Education and Training (DET) ƒ

Understanding other languages and cultures formed part of the curriculum for ACT Public Schools.

ƒ

Schools across Canberra celebrated Harmony Day, in recognition and celebration of our multicultural community in 2006, 2007, 2008, and in 2009.

ƒ

The ACT Every Chance to Learn Curriculum Framework for P-10 schools was released in 2007 and requires schools to teach intercultural understanding and languages.

ƒ

The ACT DET Curriculum requirements policy P-10 requires that all students in years 3-8 learn a second language.

ƒ

Continued support for programs via Adult Community Education Grants, including programs such as: - Mon Community Bilingual Learning Classes - Asian Women’s Friendship Association, and - The home tutor program.

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Supported the Work Experience and Support Program (WESP) by providing a work placement for a minimum of one WESP student each year.

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Maintain CRICOS registration on providers of international education

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Continue to promote ACT Public Schools as a high quality and inclusive destination for international students

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Supporting the ACT as a quality education destination for international students by quality assuring the provision of education services for overseas student through registration and audition of CRICOS providers against national standards

Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services (DHCS) ƒ

OMA staged the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 National Multicultural Festivals, showcasing multicultural heritage and creative talent of our local ethnic community groups.

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Administered WESP - a total of 170 participants from multicultural backgrounds became more job-ready for the Australian employment market from 2006 to mid 2009.

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International Women’s Day 2008 had a multicultural theme and included a special category to honour the exceptional contribution women from multicultural backgrounds have made to the ACT community.

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Governance and leadership training for multicultural groups was funded by the ACT Government and delivered by community organisations.

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Increased access was achieved for migrants and refugees to undertake English language classes at the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC).

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The Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre housed representative groups from six peak bodies and 27 community organisations.

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The Multicultural Grants Program provided $420,000 funding as a contribution towards the implementation of over 450 projects in 2006 to 2009 that promoted the ethnic diversity and social harmony in our community.

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The OMA supported the use of community radio and multicultural broadcasters in the ACT through the administration of the Multicultural Radio Grants Program with funding of $400,000. The funding was allocated for over 160 projects to be undertaken by multicultural broadcasters and two radio stations during 2006 to 2009.

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The Multicultural Language Schools Grants program has assisted in the operation of community language schools in the ACT with a focus on schools in greatest need. $190,000 was allocated to 26 schools and the peak organisation, ACT Ethnic Schools Association to support their activities in 2006 to 2009.

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The ACT Multicultural Community News Bulletin was distributed weekly by the OMA.

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Over 360 overseas qualifications from 34 countries were assessed by the Overseas Qualifications Unit in the period from 2006 to 2009.

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The Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing included a representative with a multicultural background.

Department of Justice and Community Safety (JACS) ƒ

Provided cross-cultural awareness training for staff and new recruits of ACT corrective services.

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Started a project in conjunction with ACT Community Recovery to ensure emergency preparedness and current emergency information is provided to the Territory’s multicultural communities.

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The Magistrates Court provided a document with a notice in 12 languages to be served on defendants in criminal matters when they are served with their summons to attend court.

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Commenced a review of its policy and procedures relating to the provision and use of interpreters in court proceedings and in court registries.

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Issues paper on Racial and Religious Vilification was prepared by former Human Rights Office. Seventy six responses were received on this paper.

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The Domestic Violence Agencies Act 1986 establishes the Domestic Violence Prevention Council, a ministerial advisory body appointed by the Attorney General under the Act.

Department of Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS) ƒ

TAMS conducted management and leadership development programs including a range of senior leadership workshops and seminars. Within these programs, there is a strong emphasis on the importance of considering the needs of special groups, including people from a multicultural background, when developing policies, programs and services.

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The ACT Library and Information Service holds more than 18 language collections either developed for larger communities or through donated material from smaller communities. Bulk loans are provided for small, new and emerging communities such as in Farsi, Tamil and Urdu. Further languages are catered for with newspapers, magazines, multicultural DVDs and bilingual picture books. Every library holds a collection for learning English, as well as providing access to the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) in order to assist customers at counters.

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The ACT Library and Information Service supported English Conversation Groups in partnership with the Home Tutor Program of AMES, two Advanced English Conversation groups in partnership with the Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services Inc (MARSS), and one IELTS support group. Special resources are available to assist new settlers, including authoritative dictionaries for long-term loan and information about issues such as health and parenting in many languages.

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The ACT Library and Information Service has bilingual picture books in many languages, multicultural story times and special story times involving local multicultural communities. The service has a close working relationship with the ACT Ethnic Schools Association, providing programs, displays and resource materials and multicultural story time kits for groups.

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Canberra Institute of Technology ƒ

CIT has a broad spectrum of English language courses, ranging from English for Employment, Study and Life to advanced courses and customised training. The majority of these are subsidised by the ACT Government, and further financial support is available to students through government scholarships and the CIT concession program.

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CIT has established the CIT Vocational College specifically for people, such as those from a non-English speaking background, to towards essential skills like Year 10, Year 12 and English while making a start on their work qualifications. The Vocational College offers individualised support and career advice.

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CIT has established drop-in centres on each of its campuses where students can get support with their written work. This service especially benefits multicultural students.

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CIT has a specialised migrant support and counselling service.

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CIT offers special support in specific courses for multicultural students, for example, in Financial Services courses requiring the Principles of Law subject.

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Appendix C: Information on refugees and asylum seekers Who is a refugee? Article 1 of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees defines a refugee as a person who "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country…" 18 Who is an asylum seeker?

“An asylum-seeker is an individual who is seeking international protection. In countries with individualised procedures, an asylumseeker is someone whose claim has not yet been finally decided on by the country in which he or she has submitted it. Not every asylumseeker will ultimately be recognised as a refugee, but every refugee is initially an asylum-seeker.” 19 In the Australian context, asylum seekers are Protection visa (PV) applicants until his or her application has been finally determined by DIAC or the Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT). 20 Support provided by the Australian Government to humanitarian entrants The Australian Government’s Humanitarian Program has a refugee component for people who are subject to persecution in their home country, and are in need of resettlement.21 The Australian Government provides settlement assistance programs to assist eligible Humanitarian                                                              18

 See the United Nations High Commission for Refugees website, and in particular the page on Definitions and Obligations http://www.unhcr.org.au/basicdef.shtml#def01 

19

 UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR Master Glossary of Terms, June 2006. Rev.1. Online. UNHCR Refworld, available at:  http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/42ce7d444.html  

20

 See the DIAC’sCitizenship’s Fact Sheet 62 – Assistance for Asylum Seekers in Australia (http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact‐sheets/62assistance.htm) 

21

 See the DIAC’sCitizenship’s Fact Sheet 60 – Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program (http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact‐sheets/60refugee.htm) 

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Program entrants to settle into the Australian community. 22 The Australian Government provides assistance for some asylum seekers whilst their applications for protection are processed. 23

                                                             22

 See the DIAC’sCitizenship’s Fact Sheet 60 – Australia’s Refugee and Humanitarian Program (http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact‐sheets/60refugee.htm) 

23

 See the DIAC’sCitizenship’s Fact Sheet 62 – Assistance for Asylum Seekers in Australia (http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact‐sheets/62assistance.htm) 

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