Legislation is critical. Even though it may not be perfect in its drafting or in its execution, it nevertheless, at the very least, sets a standard for community behaviour - a symbol for what is absolutely unacceptable in our society. Education too is vital in the fight against racism and the promotion of cultural diversity. It can be of a formal nature through organised curricula and programs within educational institutions. It can also be of an informal nature, organised by community groups as part of their advocacy and lobbying roles.
Social policy lies somewhere between legislation and education.
It has a strongly educative role but is not mandated by legislation. Social policies such as access and equity and arguably the ten-year program of reconciliation were put forward by the government of the day with bipartisan support and which strongly influenced services and programs at a federal level. Multiculturalism was a major policy spelt out in the 1989 national agenda for a multicultural Australia. These are people who don't know the meaning or the value of the term. It also means the right to maintain, develop and effectively use the skills and talents of all Australians regardless of background.