MR SMYTH (continuing):

The basis of the concept of 'multiculturalism' in the ACT is to support a cohesive, just and productive community where all Canberrans reap the benefit of the city's culturally diverse community.

Multiculturalism is a strategy for all Canberrans. It embraces the right of all Canberrans to express and share their cultural heritage within the Territory's legal and social frameworks and to contribute to, and participate in, all levels of public life without prejudice or discrimination.

The concept of 'multiculturalism' also imposes obligations on all Canberrans based on the Australian democratic principles of civic duty, cultural respect, social equity and productive diversity.

The benefits of multiculturalism can only be realised if the community, business and government work together and are willing to respond to the aspirations and needs of all groups that make up our community.

We will get out of this framework only what we, collectively, put in.

Of course, this Government's commitment to multiculturalism is not new. In recent years we have worked cooperatively with the community to create programs that encourage Canberrans from multicultural backgrounds to participate fully in the social, economic and cultural life of the ACT and to maintain and express their cultural heritage.

Some significant achievements in multicultural affairs include:

establishing the ACT Office of Multicultural and Community Affairs and the ACT Human Rights Office;

assisting long term unemployed migrants with a work experience program;

establishment and support of the ACT Chief Minister's Multicultural Consultative Council;

setting up anti-racism contact officer network and anti-racism guidelines in schools to improve young people's awareness of multicultural issues; and

Creating and funding the National Multicultural Festival as an opportunity to celebrate our cultural diversity.

And I am sure that Assembly members will be aware that the ACT Budget just presented incorporates a doubling of the funds available to the community through the ACT Multicultural Grants Program.

The Grants Program exemplifies the Government's commitment to building social cohesion.

Over the past three years, we have provided $150,000 to community groups for projects which contribute to community development and cultural harmony.