Principles for Tasmania’s culturally diverse society
How you can be involved
Main issues
The Tasmanian Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs (TACMA) was established in August 1992 to advise the State Government on the development of policies that are responsive to the needs and aspirations of our multicultural community.
The Council comprises twelve members who have been selected to provide a broad representation of the cultural diversity of Tasmania, having regard to their experience, gender, community and regional interests.
The functions of the Council are to:
- provide advice to Government on the extent to which services and programs are available to and meet the needs of migrant settlers and multicultural community groups;
- identify multicultural issues and provide advice thereon;
- assist and promote cooperation between multicultural groups and organisations on matters of common interest; and
- advise the Government on particular multicultural issues as referred to the Council.
The contribution of migrants to Tasmania’s economic and social development has been immense. The cultural and linguistic diversity in this State is a wonderful asset.
The Government established the Tasmanian Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs to aid the provision of valuable community input to the development and implementation of associated policies. The Council gives advice and feedback on government policies and practices.
Membership of the Advisory Council has been drawn from talented people from different regions and cultural backgrounds of Tasmania to ensure that their advice is both relevant and local.
The Government firmly believes that all Tasmanians should have the opportunity to participate in society and in all the decisions which directly affect them. The Advisory Council is an important part of this process.
In 1994, the Government adopted the Principles for Tasmania’s Culturally Diverse Society, formulated by the Council.
Principles for Tasmania’s culturally diverse society
TACMA produced the Principles for Tasmania’s Culturally Diverse Society and the Tasmanian Government is committed to them to guide the development of the policies and services of public sector organisations.
The principles are:
- To recognise and value the skills of all Tasmanians as social and economic assets, and to develop and use these resources and skills for the overall benefit of Tasmania.
- To recognise and encourage the right of all Tasmanians to participate in, and to contribute to, the social, political, economic and cultural life of Tasmania.
- 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 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.
How you can be involved
Members of the Council consult with multicultural organisations and individuals to strengthen community input in the advice they offer to the Government.
You are encouraged to write to the Council or contact a member through the office of Multicultural Tasmania.
View the Terms of Reference and contact Multicultural Tasmania for more information on freecall 1800 066 782 or email multitas@dpac.tas.gov.au
Main issues
While the Council will offer advice on any topic relevant to multicultural affairs, the following issues of concern have been identified:
- reviewing the Multicultural Policy to keep it a relevant document to diverse Tasmanians
- the effective delivery of Government services and programs
- the use of interpreters to ensure people are not denied access to services because of language background
- multi-lingual information provided to improve knowledge of Government services
- the care of elderly migrants
- utilising our multicultural diversity to advantage business
- promoting the benefits of cultural and linguistic diversity.
