Page 1981 - Week 06 - Thursday, 8 June 2006
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Economic Development, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Minister for the Arts, Acting Minister for the Territory and Municipal Services and Acting Minister for Multicultural Affairs): For the information of members, I present the following paper:
Facing up to racism—A strategic plan addressing racism and unfair discrimination 2004-2008—Report card 2006.
I ask for leave to make a statement in relation to the paper.
Leave granted.
MR STANHOPE: Mr Speaker, I am privileged today to table this document which highlights the significant achievements of the ACT government in addressing racism and unfair discrimination in our community for the first two years of the strategic plan’s implementation. While Canberra prides itself as one of the most socially cohesive and inclusive communities in Australia, we need to remain vigilant in upholding basic human rights and eliminating racism and discrimination, particularly in the face of graphic manifestations of racial hatred, violence and intolerance such as the events that unfolded in Cronulla.
What I am presenting today is testimony of the ACT government’s commitment and resolve to maintain harmony and unity in our community. It is a record of tangible actions, policies and programs that are being implemented and adhered to by relevant ACT government agencies to concretely address racism and discrimination in order to protect the gains we have achieved as a community.
Mr Speaker, the strategic plan was developed by the ACT government in 2004, after extensive community consultations, to demonstrate the ACT government’s strong commitment to the continuing development of the ACT as an inclusive, harmonious and cohesive society. The strategic plan aims to build a safe and more supportive community for all people in the ACT, particularly those vulnerable to discrimination and prejudice; to support reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous Australians; to foster an environment which enables the ACT to gain maximum advantage from its diversity, to create more jobs and to compete more effectively in the market; to protect, promote and enhance the rights of Canberrans; and to build stronger relations between the ACT government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and multicultural community groups.
I turn to the principles underlying facing up to racism. The first is respect. Every individual is worthy of respect, regardless of factors such as their race, age, gender, cultural background, religion, disability, physical or mental illness, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation. The second is fairness. Every individual is entitled to access services and facilities for which they are eligible on a basis that is free from bias or injustice. The third is inclusiveness and multiculturalism. All people have the right to enjoy their ethnic identity and cultural heritage, including language and religion, and to participate fully in community life. Multiculturalism also aims to ensure that diverse skills and talents of all ACT residents are developed and used to produce cultural, social and economic benefits.
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