All Australians are entitled to celebrate, practice and maintain their
cultural heritage, traditions and language within law and free from
discrimination. The Australian Government strongly opposes alI forms of
racism, discrimination, intolerance and prejudice, including against
minority groups.
As a demonstration of its commitment to diversity, in February this year,
the Government launched The People of Australia — Australia 's
Multicultural Policy. The policy commits the Australian Government to:
a just, inclusive and socially cohesive society where
everyone can participate; government services that are
responsive to the needs of all Australians, regardless of
their cultural and linguistic backgrounds; and
a society where intolerance and discrimination will not be
tolerated.
Copies of Australia's Multicultural Policy are available in the room today.
The Australian Government acknowledges the vital role played by women in all
communities, and has implemented a number of programs to ensure that
women from minority communities are able to participate fully in Australian life.
In March 2010, the Australian Government announced it would fund six
National Women's Alliances,
which are made up of a mix of sector-based and issues-based women's
groups each with a distinct focus and a strong capacity for networking
and advocacy activities.