Page 2550 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 1 August 2018
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ACT multicultural framework 2015-20, the ACT government continues to effectively support the delivery of services to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, promote an inclusive and harmonious community, and provide genuine opportunities to assist all Canberrans to reach their full potential. I move the following amendment:
Omit paragraphs (3)(a) to (d), substitute:
“(a) continue to update the Assembly on the progress of the implementation of the ACT Multicultural Framework through an annual ministerial statement;
(b) include in this update:
(i) which actions and outcomes have been fully achieved and when;
(ii) which actions and outcomes are in progress; and
(iii) which actions and outcomes have not been progressed yet, reasons for any delay, and projected completion dates;
(c) provide this update to the Assembly, in the form of a ministerial statement, no later than the last sitting day of 2018; and
(d) include in this statement an update on what is happening with the development of the second ACT Multicultural Action Plan (2018–2020) and when this plan is expected to be finalised.”.
The ACT, as members would be aware, is currently home to more than 400,000 people. As Mrs Kikkert has noted, more than half of us have at least one parent born overseas, and almost a quarter live in a household where a non-English language is spoken at home.
Here in Canberra we are a proudly inclusive community, and multiculturalism is an integral part of our vibrant city. A survey of more than 1,000 Canberrans undertaken earlier this year found that 63.2 per cent of those surveyed strongly agreed with this statement: “Canberra as a community accepts people from different cultures.” Significantly, of those surveyed who identified as having a multicultural background, 94.1 per cent agreed or strongly agreed with that statement.
This acceptance and opening to multiculturalism strengthens and benefits our community greatly. People can share in, and learn from, different cultures, traditions and faiths. Food, music, dance, language and song are highlights of the National Multicultural Festival celebrated every year, and I know that members will be familiar with the many other cultural celebrations and events that happen regularly in all parts of our city.
For those Canberrans not from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, there is much to learn. Bilingual education and a better understanding of cultural traditions and differences can open up opportunities for all involved. We are a stronger community for the ongoing participation of culturally and linguistically diverse Canberrans. Whether they open up businesses, engage in our schools and other educational settings, contribute to our community sector, as so many do, or contribute in a number of other ways, they offer so much to Canberra.
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