Towards Fairness: Multicultural Framework Review

Towards Fairness – a multicultural Australia for all

Report Summary

The Multicultural Framework Review is a generational reform agenda requiring a whole-of-government and community approach that will position Australia to realise its full potential as a nation made up of many cultures, faiths and lived experiences.

In delivering this report to the Australian Government, the Review was informed by 216 public consultations across Australia. The panel also considered 796 public submissions (15% in languages other than English) and conducted an art competition for children and young people, ensuring all generations were included.

The Panel heard a strong, united voice from communities wanting to be a part of decision-making processes, to co-design and co-produce with the relevant layers of government, to share responsibility and have a role in accountability as well.

Communities, sectors, institutions and organisations cannot solve these issues alone, neither can one age cohort. Essentially, everyone in Australia is responsible for an inclusive society; in our workplaces, social interactions, online or in person, everyone should take a human rights approach to inclusivity, fairness, respect and equality.

To ensure shared ownership and commitment across government the report asks the Australian Government to prioritise the implementation of 29 recommendations.

Drawing on these recommendations, we propose a road map for a multicultural framework. This road map, along with the right institutional settings, aim to provide the continuum needed to sustain a successful, fair multicultural Australia for all. Underpinned by adequate data, research and reporting, the road map outlines the following:

Connection: Setting the foundations

• Bipartisan national commitment to multiculturalism based on social cohesion, cultural identity, equality of opportunity
• Strong leadership and accountability, with a recommended multicultural Australia Commission to lead implementation of the framework
• Strategic planning and coordination through a dedicated Department of Multicultural Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship
• Collaboration across the country and community, Multicultural Ministerial Forum and Multicultural Community Advisory Council

Identity and belonging: Creating a Welcoming Australia

• National Plan to celebrate multiculturalism including Harmony Week and formally observe the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
• Implement a sustainable national language policy for social economic outcomes
• Refreshed citizenship process that reflects a modern, multicultural nation
• An independent and diverse media sector

Invest in community organisations and cultural programs to drive social change through the Arts and sport

• Develop initiatives to deepen Australia-wide understanding of First Nations history, such as the history presented through citizenship processes, civic participation, pathways to permanent residency and education

Inclusion: Working together to get services right

• Embed culturally responsive services including health, disability, education, aged care and housing
• Uplift of cultural capability across the Australian Public Service, driven by the APSC through accountable leadership
• A modernised multicultural grants program centred on sustainability and certainty
• Design and implement strategy to bridge the cultural and digital divide
• Focus on unique needs of young people and regional communities
• Apply an intersectional and gender equality lens to multicultural policy and service.

Religion as part of Identity

For many people, religion is also core to their identity. This point required some attention, as multiculturalism is often applied as a descriptive term for ‘all difference’ in a manner that undervalues a person’s faith. This was a particular concern raised by faith groups. Several submissions emphasised the need to acknowledge people’s religious affiliation as a core part of contemporary multicultural Australia. The submissions also recommended support for interfaith dialogue.

An individual’s multifaceted sense of identity has implications for how they relate to and feel they are treated by the broader society. This in turn goes to a sense of a shared national identity.

​Multicultural Framework Review, Towards Fairness -​ a multicultural Australia for all (14MB PDF)