It helps to define us as Australian. It has created a society remarkable for the freedom it can give to its individual citizens. It is a large part of what makes Australia attractive to immigrants and visitors. Rather it is the intention of the Government to make our institutional heritage work better for us by enhancing its capacity to respond flexibly to the needs of an ethnically mixed population. The reality of cultural diversity requires a positive policy response.
Inaction can only exacerbate the problem.
The Commonwealth Government's response is 'multiculturalism' - a framework of multicultural policies which have been enunciated throughout this Agenda. In short, multicultural policies seek to ensure that those who are 'culturally different' have the same freedom as other Australians, that they have equal access to government programs and services, and that their skills, talents and abilities are effectively and efficiently utilised for the benefit of Australia. Too frequently this approach left the underlying structure of the institution unchanged. Increasingly governments and the community are seeking better value for their resources. This requires changes to organisations and structures which will result in a lasting capacity to respond to cultural diversity without the need for on-going external or additional support.