On the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government’s ‘A multi-cultural society for the future’ report, the Albanese Government is starting consultation on the draft terms of reference for a review of Australia’s Multicultural Framework.

The Review will examine policy settings to ensure they advance a multicultural Australia, support our cohesive and inclusive multicultural society, and harness the talents of all Australians.

Due to the short amount of time to put this together, Allies in Colour is assisting under-resourced, under-funded, grassroots multicultural organisations to make an impact on this very important Multicultural Framework.

We invite various multicultural groups from all over Australia to please attend our consultation sessions which will be conducted over the next 2 weeks. We will take on your input and make a collective submission towards the Terms of Reference of the Multicultural Framework.

We advice community groups to please read the information provided in the following links before attending as that will enable us to conduct our sessions in an efficient and effective manner.

Allies in Colour is not paid or funded for this work. We feel obliged to take this task on because the Multicultural Framework is too important to be ignored.

Please note that feedback is currently sought only on the draft Terms of Reference.

What is Terms of Reference and how do you write a good one? Please read below:

https://www.apsc.gov.au/initia...

Draft terms of reference

The Review will assess and make recommendations on the institutional arrangements and policy settings required to advance a multicultural Australia and meet the current and future needs of multicultural Australia at the Commonwealth level.

The Review will consider:

the effectiveness of existing federal:
- legislative and regulatory frameworks
- policy settings and programs
- interactions with communities
- services designed to support multicultural Australia and how these interact with state and local government settings.
roles and functions of government and non-government organisations respectively. They will also consider appropriate relationships between them, ensuring effective planning and provision of programs and services to multicultural communities.
the effectiveness of current federal diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. This ensures the Australian Public Service workforce reflects multicultural Australia.
identifying areas for reform to address any systemic barriers preventing people from multicultural communities from participating in Australian society. This includes second generation plus migrants.

The Review will consult extensively with:

key community and other stakeholders
experts
government agencies
members of the public.

It may invite and publish submissions and seek information from any persons or bodies.

The Multicultural Framework Review Reference Group will advise and support the conduct of the Review.

The Review will have regard to, and complement, the findings or proceedings of previous and ongoing reviews or inquiries applicable to this topic. This includes approaches in relevant overseas jurisdictions.

The Review will provide a final report, with recommendations to the Commonwealth Government. They will identify potential areas for reform, action and further exploration. The Review will provide the final report to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs by the end of December 2023.

Other important information to read before attending:

https://minister.homeaffairs.g...

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au...

Contact the host of Australian South Asian Communities - Australia's Multicultural Framework Review Consultation Session by Allies in Colour (Day 1)