Ethnic affairs priorities statements (EAPS)
The NSW Government recognises and values the different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds of all the people of NSW.
The Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 sets out four principles of multiculturalism.
These are:
All individuals in NSW should have the greatest possible opportunity to contribute to, and participate in, all aspects of public life in which they may legally participate.
All individuals and institutions should respect and make provision for the culture, language and religion of others within an Australian legal and institutional framework where English is the common language.
All individuals should have the greatest possible opportunity to make use of and participate in relevant activities and programs provided or administered by the Government of NSW.
All institutions of NSW should recognise the linguistic and cultural assets in the population of NSW as a valuable resource and promote this resource to maximise the development of the State.
All NSW Government agencies must include an Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS) in their annual report to Parliament. These contain the agency's strategies and plans for future action to meet the principles of multiculturalism.
Strategies include:
offering programs and services which reflect the needs of the entire community
developing and implementing policies which are sensitive to the needs of all staff and clients
providing information in ways that will reach all staff and clients
providing language services for all clients
ensuring that boards and committees reflect the multiculturalism of the community
training staff on multiculturalism issues and how these apply in their jobs
using flexible, inclusive consultation processes.
A number of NSW agencies have been identified as key agencies on the basis of:
a high degree of client contact, especially in the areas of welfare, justice, education and employment, and/or
responsibility for developing and implementing Government policy in these areas.
These key agencies are also required to work closely with the Community Relations Commission in the preparation of their EAPS and to lodge their EAPS with the Commission.
For more information contact:
Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW
Phone: 02 9716 2232
- www.crc.nsw.gov.au
