Many VoicesA Discussion Paper on the

Tasmanian Multicultural Policy

May 2013

Community Development DivisionDepartment of Premier and

Produced by Community Development Division Department of Premier and Cabinet GPO Box 123HOBART TAS 7001

(03) 6232 7192multicultural@dpac.tas.gov.auwww.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/cdd

Copyright State of Tasmania

ISBN 978 0 7246 5658 8

10 May 2013 Version 3

Contents

Message from the Minister..........................................................................................................1

Introduction.......................................................................................................................................2

Cultural diversity: a snapshot of Tasmania...........................................................................4

Multicultural principles..................................................................................................................5

1. Building on the benefits of cultural diversity...................................................................6

2. Fair access to services.............................................................................................................7

3. Encouraging participation.......................................................................................................8

4. Valuing cultural diversity and promoting social cohesion...........................................9

5. Multicultural principles...........................................................................................................10

6. Enhancing representation and engagement..................................................................10

7. Understanding your experience.........................................................................................11

Demographic information for individuals.............................................................................12

Your details.....................................................................................................................................12

Resources........................................................................................................................................13

Glossary of terms..........................................................................................................................14

How to have your say..................................................................................................................15

Message from the Minister

Tasmania has a rich cultural, religious and linguistic heritage. The Tasmanian Aboriginals first arrived in Tasmania over 35 000 years ago. They were followed by British settlers from 1803, further European and Asian settlers with the gold rush of the mid-1800s, and expanding European migration post World War II. Today, people coming to Tasmania are from all over the world, arriving either permanently as people seeking a new life in Australia, or as temporary migrants, such as travellers, international students, or short-term workers. Regardless of the reason for migration or when they arrived, the resulting cultural, religious and linguistic diversity is a key asset for the State.As Minister for Community Development, my vision is of a strong, confident and inclusive society where all Tasmanians will be treated fairly, with respect and without discrimination, and will have an equal opportunity, and responsibility, to engage in Tasmanian life. The Government’s Tasmanian Multicultural Policy seeks to achieve that vision. It provides a basis for drawing on the economic and social benefits of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity, promoting social cohesion, and addressing the need to balance the rights and responsibilities of all citizens. Importantly, the ability to enhance a dynamic and productive multicultural society will be a significant influence on the success of the State in the future. I take pride in our diversity and welcome the opportunity to review the Tasmanian Multicultural Policy and strengthen the potential of multiculturalism for all Tasmanians.Your views and experience are important and I encourage you to contribute to the future directions of multiculturalism in Tasmania by submitting a response to this Discussion Paper.

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I look forward to your contribution.

Cassy O’Connor MP Minister for Community Development

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IntroductionTasmania is a cultural, religious and linguistically diverse State, with a long history of migration. This diversity brings economic and social benefits that enhances and strengthens communities, and is an integral component in building a socially inclusive society in Tasmania. Regardless of country of birth, language, culture, religion, or time of arrival, all Tasmanians share common aspirations for good health and wellbeing, equitable access to affordable government services, societal acceptance and participation in community. As such, it is important to respect and make provision for a diversity of cultures, languages and religions within the context of Australian law.‘Multiculturalism’ is a policy and practice approach aimed at enabling cultural, religious and linguistic diversity within a goal of social cohesion and inclusion. The Government’s Tasmanian Multicultural Policy (2001) provides principles and strategies to promote such an aim. Importantly, the Multicultural Policy is for all Tasmanians, regardless of their backgrounds,

when they arrived or how long they are staying. Whether people have been here for generations, are recent permanent migrants or are temporary residents in Tasmania such as international students, short-term workers, and tourists from overseas; we all play an important role in the inclusiveness of the State and in enhancing the capacity and skills available.The Policy acknowledges Tasmania’s first people and their significant and ongoing cultural contributions in Tasmania. The Tasmanian Government endeavours to develop and implement policies which support cultural continuity and facilitate social inclusion. The Tasmanian Government is reviewing the Tasmanian Multicultural Policy (2001) to ensure it reflects current thinking and community expectations, and remains responsive to changing patterns of migration to Tasmania as well as the social, economic and political conditions of the State.The Multicultural Policy review will build on the achievements of the existing Policy and will reaffirm the Tasmanian Government’s

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commitment to multiculturalism in Tasmania.The Tasmanian Government actively works across all levels of government, with service providers and associations, and the Tasmanian community to promote multiculturalism throughout the State.There is a range of Tasmanian Government services that assist Tasmanians to access services in the areas of health, aged care, housing, education, and

employment. The Government acknowledges some people from cultural, religious or linguistically diverse backgrounds may need additional support and assistance to access the services and support they need. The review will consider how Tasmania can continue to meet the needs of, and derive benefits from, it’s diverse population. The Government also works with culturally –based associations to assist with the facilitation of significant cultural events for Tasmania. These initiatives help promote harmony and inclusion and assist all communities to develop networks, skills and language capacities that enable social

inclusion and help people make positive contributions to Tasmanian society.The Government also assists people with understanding of the rights and responsibilities of all citizens in Australian society and under Australian law. The Tasmanian Multicultural Policy is not intended to work in isolation from other government policies and directions. Confirming connections with other policy directions, such as for older people or women, is an integral part of the review. In this context, other strategies are also important: such as the Economic Development Plan which centres on making the most of Tasmania’s assets to secure prosperity and jobs; and the recently released Tasmania’s Place in the Asian Century White Paper which responds to the opportunities and challenges for Tasmania presented by the rise of Asia.The Government is keen to gather your ideas for developing a revised Policy which will enhance multiculturalism in Tasmania. This Discussion Paper reviews the multicultural principles of the 2001 Policy.It raises a number of questions (in blue boxes) in relation to four key

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areas of multiculturalism reflected in the principles:

building on the benefits of diversity;

fair access to services; encouraging participation;

and valuing cultural diversity and

promoting social cohesion.It also provides an opportunity for you to comment on the value of a principles-based policy, on community representation and engagement, and express your understanding and experience of multiculturalism.

We appreciate you taking the time to provide your views on multiculturalism in Tasmania. A Glossary of Terms is at the back of this Discussion Paper to assist with your response. Please refer to the back of this Discussion Paper for information about the different ways you can submit your response to the questions in the blue boxes. The current Policy can be accessed at: http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/multicultural or you might like to use the contact details on the back page to receive a hard copy. Consultation opens on Saturday 25 May 2013 and closes on Friday 19 July 2013.

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Cultural diversity: a snapshot of Tasmania Tasmania has a rich history of migration to the State1:

For 2012, just over 900 000 visitors, including over 140 000 international visitors, came to Tasmania for travel, employment or business purposes.2

Of the 26 000 tertiary students in Tasmania, 3 000 are international students from over 100 countries.3

More than 57 650 people or 11.6 per cent of the total Tasmanian population were born overseas.

The top countries of birth for overseas born Tasmanians are England, New Zealand, Scotland, Netherlands, Germany and China.

Over 24 per cent of Tasmanians, or 113 969 people have one or both parents born overseas.

The top five countries for permanent migration in the past 10 years are: United Kingdom, Peoples Republic of China, India, South Africa and the Philippines.

Overseas born Tasmanians comprised migrants from 170 countries of which approximately 155 are non-English speaking countries.

There are over 24 religious faiths.

There are over 129 languages spoken in Tasmania and more than 22 000 people speak a language other than English in the home.

This includes 2 359 people who have little or no spoken English.

The top languages spoken at home are English, Mandarin, German, Italian, Greek and Dutch.

While Tasmania receives fewer permanent migrants compared with other Australian states and territories, each year Tasmania accepts over 1 200 permanent migrants. Of these, former humanitarian entrants make the greatest proportion.

1 Unless otherwise stated, all data is derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011 Census of Population and Housing Tasmania ABS, Canberra, or Department of Immigration and Citizenship Settlement Reporting Facility.2 Tourism Tasmania, www.tourismtasmania.com.au accessed 12 April 2013.3University of Tasmania, www.international.utas.ed.au/static/aboutUTAS.php, accessed 12 April 2013.

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Multicultural principles‘Multiculturalism’ is a policy and practice approach aimed at enabling cultural, religious and linguistic diversity within a goal of social cohesion and inclusion.On releasing the Tasmanian Multicultural Policy in 2001, the Government committed to a set of principles to maximise the potential of diversity for the benefit of all Tasmanians, and to assist in strengthening a cohesive, inclusive and harmonious society. These principles are:

to recognise and value that cultural and linguistic diversity provides resources, and that the skills of all Tasmanians provide social and economic assets, and to develop and use these resources and skills for the overall benefit of Tasmania;

to recognise the rights of all Tasmanians to fair access to the services of the Tasmanian Government, taking into account the needs arising from the cultural and linguistic diversity of the community;

to recognise and encourage the right of all Tasmanians to participate in, and contribute to, the social, political, economic and cultural life of Tasmania; and

to accept and respect the culture, language, and religion of all Tasmanians within the framework of the laws of the Commonwealth and the State.

To provide continuity with the 2001 principles and the comprehensive work from which they were developed, and as a starting point for this Discussion Paper, the first four sections below

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relate directly to those four principles. Each section explains a principle in detail, shows how it is put into practice and asks questions about what could be done to further achieve the principles. The fifth section considers the principles overall, and whether there may be other ways to

develop a rigorous Multicultural Policy.The remaining two sections of the Discussion Paper relate to engagement and representation, and your experience of multiculturalism.

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1. Building on the benefits of cultural diversityPrinciple: to recognise and value that cultural and linguistic diversity provides resources and that the skills of all Tasmanians provide social and economic assets, and to develop and use these resources and skills for the overall benefit of Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government seeks to foster recognition and appreciation of the achievements and contributions of all Tasmanians.More specifically, the economic, cultural and social benefits of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity for Tasmania are significant and should be acknowledged and promoted.People bring strong work ethics, skills and experience to the workplace, and make a major contribution to life in the arts, sport, science, research, business and community4. Moreover, global cultural and commercial connections can enhance trade and investment opportunities.It is important to maintain, develop and effectively use the skills of all Tasmanians.Tasmanian businesses, communities and government should be encouraged to work together to raise awareness of the

linguistic and cultural assets in the population as a valuable resource and to promote these aspects to maximise the development of the State. It is possible to build on economic advantage and provide Tasmania with a competitive edge through our diverse, innovative, highly skilled and internationally connected workforce, in areas such as tourism, small business and industry, research and development, employment and education.

4 Hugo, G (2011) A Significant Contribution: The Economic, Social and Civic Contributions of First and Second Generation Humanitarian Entrants Commonwealth of Australia.

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Question on benefits of cultural diversity:

1.1 How can multiculturalism and the benefits of diversity be promoted to communities, industries and

2. Fair access to servicesPrinciple: to recognise the rights of all Tasmanians to fair access to the services of the Tasmanian Government, taking into account the needs arising from the cultural and linguistic diversity of the community.

All Tasmanians should have fair access to Tasmanian Government services regardless of their cultural, linguistic or religious backgrounds.The Government acknowledges however, that some people may need additional support and assistance to access services. The Government has reviewed the accessibility of government services and is implementing a number of recommendations to improve service access and responsiveness for people who have recently arrived as former humanitarian entrants.5 These initiatives include the development of Cross Cultural Awareness Training packages, and information websites. A strong interpreter policy and practice will also help Tasmanians access services more effectively. However, it is important to ensure that services are responsive and accessible for all people. This is in line with best practice in access and equity where government

services should be ‘accessible to all Australians who are eligible for them, responsive to their needs, and deliver equitable outcomes for them’.6 Existing services can adapt to the needs of all Australians. Services may be more responsive to people’s needs through:

increasing cross-cultural awareness training for employees;

using interpreter services for clients with low English proficiency;

drawing on information resources and publications in languages other than English; and

employing staff from diverse backgrounds.

5 Tasmanian Government, Better Access to Government Services for Former Humanitarian Entrants Report, www.dpac.tas.gov.au/cdd, accessed 12 April 2013.6 Access and Equity for a multicultural Australia, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/a.../AandE report .pdf , accessed January 2013.

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Question on benefits of cultural diversity:

1.1 How can multiculturalism and the benefits of diversity be promoted to communities, industries and

Questions on fair access to services:

2.1 How can culturally diverse groups be better informed about the services available in their local communities?

2.2 How can Government services identify and respond to the changing needs of people with

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3. Encouraging participationPrinciple: to recognise and encourage the right of all Tasmanians to participate in, and contribute to, the social, political, economic and cultural life of Tasmania.

It is important individuals and communities have access to the personal, social, economic and civic resources and relationships that make life healthy, productive and happy.7

The Tasmanian Government seeks to assist community development and encourage full and equitable participation by all Tasmanians in social and economic life, irrespective of their backgrounds. Individuals and communities should be able to:

learn by participating in education and training;

work by participating in employment, in voluntary work and in family and caring;

engage by connecting with people and using their local community’s resources; and

have a voice so that they can influence decisions that affect them.8

It is important people are supported to strengthen their ability to participate actively in their local communities.

A key aspect of boosting participation is capacity building – ‘supporting individuals’ personal capacity to address the issues that arise over the course of their lives, and supporting people to take independent decisions and to negotiate priorities through participation in their workplaces, their neighbourhoods and their communities’9.

7 Tasmanian Social Inclusion website, www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/siu, accessed January 2013.8 Australian Government Social Inclusion website, www.socialinclusion.gov.au, accessed January 2013.9 Australian Government, Social Inclusion Principles for Australia, http://www.socialinclusion.gov.au/resources/aust-govt-publications, accessed 12 April 2013.

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Questions about encouraging participation:

3.1 How can participation in learning and work be improved for Tasmanians from cultural, religious and linguistically diverse backgrounds?

3.2 How can all people feel part of and contribute to their local community, including those who are newly arrived?

3.3 How can local communities make migrants feel welcomed?

3.4 How can community participation opportunities be improved within and

4. Valuing cultural diversity and promoting social cohesionPrinciple: to accept and respect the culture, language, and religion of all Tasmanians within the framework of the laws of the Commonwealth and the State.

Tasmania’s identity as a culturally diverse and harmonious place to live and visit can be strengthened by acknowledging, respecting and celebrating diversity.All individuals and institutions should respect and make provision for the diverse culture, language and religions of others within an Australian legal and institutional context.Promoting understanding and acceptance while responding and taking a firm stand against expressions of intolerance and discrimination is vital.This means celebrating and valuing the benefits of cultural diversity for all Australians, within the broader aims of national

unity, community harmony and maintenance of democratic values. One of the most effective ways to address discrimination and racism and promote harmony is to educate the community about the benefits that cultural diversity brings to Tasmania, where community events and public awareness campaigns play a role. All Tasmanians, irrespective of the diversity of their backgrounds, have a duty to promote and preserve diversity within the context of shared values, aspirations and responsibilities, and acceptance of parliamentary democracy, the rule of law and the value of mutual respect.

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Questions on valuing cultural diversity and promoting social cohesion:

4.1 How can respect for all Tasmanians be improved?

4.2 How can the shared experience, identities and values of all Tasmanians

5. Multicultural principles The previous four sections related directly to the current four multicultural principles of the 2001 Tasmanian Multicultural Policy. Consistent with current national research and in line with other Australian states, the principles provide a sound basis on which to respond to multiculturalism in Tasmania. However, there may be important aspects of multiculturalism which are not currently considered in these principles. By way of example, the following principles have already been suggested for consideration:

addressing diversity is everyone’s responsibility;

ensure that equality of outcomes is as important as equality of access; and

to recognise the right of all Tasmanians to live in a non-violent, free and democratic State.

6. Enhancing representation and engagement

The development of culturally-based associations play a significant role in connecting and representing people in communities, advocating for the needs of members, and enhancing interactions with all communities, government and business sectors. The informal networks, communications and relationships of such associations have substantial valuable impact on the ability to represent and advocate for people’s needs.

The Tasmanian Government also acknowledges it is important to build sustainable and viable associations with stable leadership and strong governance capacity for attracting members, volunteers, and potentially, funding. Strong community representation assists in obtaining community feedback on programs and services, policy decisions and emerging issues. It is important that peak bodies and community sector organisations work directly with

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Questions on the multicultural principles:

5.1 Do you support these principles?

5.2 Are there other principles that should be considered?

Questions on representation and engagement:

6.1 How can peak bodies and other

communities to ensure the concerns and aspirations of the communities are understood and articulated.

7. Understanding your experience

The Tasmanian Government wants to hear your experience of multiculturalism, and your views on how to support communities and strengthen multiculturalism in Tasmania.

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Questions on your experience:

7.1 What is your experience of a multicultural Tasmania?

7.2 What challenges or opportunities have you come across, or seen others

Questions on representation and engagement:

6.1 How can peak bodies and other

Demographic information for individuals We would like to know more about you (these questions are not compulsory).

1. Are you male or female?

2. What is your postcode?

3. How old are you?

4. Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?

5. Do you consider yourself as from a culturally or linguistically diverse background?

6. How long have you been living in Tasmania?

7. In which country were you born?

8. Is English your first language?

9. If there is a language other than English spoken at home, which language?

10.Are you a carer of someone who is frail aged or a person with disability?

Your details

Can the Department of Premier and Cabinet upload your submission to the Departmental website for public viewing?

If so, can we include your or your organisation’s name:

Optional: Your name: …..……………..………..…………….…………

Organisation (if relevant): …………………..…..………..………………….

Contact email: ………………….…………………..………….…………….

Contact phone number: …………………………..………………….……..

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Please de-identify any examples you include in your submission so individuals cannot be recognised.

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ResourcesPolicy, research and reports

Tasmanian Multicultural Policy 2001: http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/cdd/policy/our_policies/tasmanian_multicultural_policy

Better Access to Government Services Report for Former Humanitarian Entrants:http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/cdd/policy/better_access_to_government_services_for_former_humanitarian_entrants

A Social Inclusion Strategy for Tasmania Report: http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/siu/strategy/strategy_at_a_glance

Tasmania’s Place in the Asian Century White Paper: http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/policy/asian_century/asian_century_white_paper

Economic Development Plan: http://www.development.tas.gov.au/economic/economic_development_plan/Printable_documents

Joint Standing Committee on Migration, Inquiry into Multiculturalism in Australia:http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=mig/index.htm

Access and Equity for a multicultural Australia: http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/a-multicultural-australia/government-approach/government-services/multicultural-access-and-equity.htm

The People of Australia – Australia's Multicultural Policy:http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/a-multicultural-australia/multicultural-policy/

Multiculturalism: a review of Australian policy statements and recent debates in Australia and overseas:http://apo.org.au/research/multiculturalism-review-australian-policy-statements-and-recent-debates-australia-and-overs

Legislation Anti-Discrimination Act 1998:

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/tas/consol_act/aa1998204.txt Migration Act 1958

www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_ act /ma 1958 118/

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Glossary of termsCommunity A community is a group of people who share something in

common. It may be location, interests, culture, language, beliefs, values or traditions. Individuals can be members of many communities. Communities can also identify and form around an issue.

Culturally-based associations

A group of people who share and connect based on similar cultural background or heritage. They may not be mono-cultured associations: people have many identities, including many cultural identities, and can be members of many communities. However, culturally-based associations may form on the basis of a strong shared background.The association may be formally or informally constituted.

Diverse cultural, religious and linguistic background

In this Discussion Paper, diverse cultural, religious and linguistic background is a broad concept which encompasses the differences that exist between people, such as language, dress, traditions, food, societal structures, art and religion10.It is acknowledged however, that the phrase has an inherent limitation of not separately identify the many cultural and linguistic groups in Australia. This Discussion Paper does not abbreviate the term to CALD as is common in policy discourse, as there are negative connotations associated with that acronym.

Migrant This Discussion Paper takes a broad definition, where migrant means ‘any person who lives temporarily or permanently in a country where he or she was not born, and has acquired some significant social ties to this country’11.By this definition, a person who comes as a skilled worker, international student, former humanitarian entrant, or through a family-reunion scheme, is considered a migrant. It is acknowledged that such a definition does not differentiate between those who exercise a degree of choice to come to Tasmania and those who arrive having been displaced or forced to leave their homes.

Multiculturalism

‘Multiculturalism’ is a policy and practice approach aimed at enabling cultural, religious and linguistic diversity within a goal of social cohesion and inclusion.

Social cohesion

In this Discussion Paper social cohesion is defined as a concept that ‘describes social connectedness, including family and community well-being, taking account of economic inequalities. Social cohesion is developed through

10 This definition is in line with the definition used by Hobart City Council. 11 UNESCO International Migration and Multicultural Policies, http://www.unesco.org/most/migration/glossary_migrants.htm, accessed 12 April 2013.

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the nature and quality of interrelationships, and manifests in a sense of community. Social cohesion is also linked to economic development, and policies which support social cohesion may also increase investment attractiveness and business competitiveness’12.

12 OECD, 2001 and Hulse 2005 cited in City of Melbourne Issues Paper: Social Cohesion, www.futuremelbourne.com.au/wiki/.../ Social _ Cohesion _Study.DOC , accessed 15 April 2013.

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How to have your say

You can provide your answers to the questions and contribute to the future directions of multiculturalism in Tasmania in two ways:

A. Submit your written response via:

Email multicultural@dpac.tas.gov.au

Post Principal Liaison Officer – Multicultural Community Development DivisionDepartment of Premier and CabinetGPO Box 123HOBART TAS 7001

B. Speak to the Principal Liaison Officer – Multicultural by telephoning (03) 6232 7192. Please advise if you require an interpreter.

All documents are available on the website: http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/multicultural You can also call (03) 6232 7192 for copies to be posted to you.

Consultation opens on Saturday 25 May 2013 and closes on Friday 19 July 2013.

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