Page 1371 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 3 May 2016
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Of course it would be remiss of me not to highlight our most recent achievements under the 2010-15 ACT multicultural strategy. In 2011 we launched the ACT services access card, an Australian first, to provide improved and easier access to a range of ACT government services for asylum seekers. This card enables people to access services such as concessional public transport, education, and legal and healthcare services, which are all essential supports for people in these circumstances.
We also launched the many voices ACT language policy, which expresses the importance of effective communication to ensure that all people can participate in our city’s cultural, social and economic life. This includes providing access to interpretation and translation services, supports to develop English language skills, and valuing the acquisition of languages other than English in order to celebrate cultural diversity.
We also invested $1.8 million in 2013-14 for the introductory English centre at Wanniassa Hills primary as well as providing more than $1.1 million to community groups through our multicultural grants programs during 2010-13. These funds were used to support a diverse range of activities, including community language classes, multicultural radio programs, and programs aimed at enhancing social cohesion and harmony in our city.
We also know that our mainstream services are essential in providing accessible and inclusive supports for our community, including our culturally diverse community members. I am very pleased that the multicultural health policy “Towards culturally appropriate and inclusive services: a coordinating framework for ACT health 2014-18”, was also launched under the 2010-15 ACT multicultural strategy.
Of course, I cannot miss the incredibly valuable work experience and support program that has supported around 700 individuals from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds since the turn of this century. This program provides meaningful work experience, networks and professional confidence to assist individuals to access employment opportunities in our city.
Along with this impressive list of achievements, we were also the first jurisdiction to cement our commitment to social inclusion in law, with the introduction of the ACT Human Rights Act. This landmark achievement ensures legal protections for all people to live free from discrimination. We were also the first Australian jurisdiction to declare a refugee welcome zone, just last year, which was a pinnacle moment for this government and for our city. I am very pleased to report that the ACT government is ready to welcome refugees to our great city. Our networks of support services are ready to offer their support as well.
Recently, I met with over 40 representatives of local refugee service providers to understand their capacity and readiness to assist those fleeing devastating circumstances in Syria and Iraq. I am confident that Canberra is well placed to meet the needs for these refugees. In fact, in April I was pleased to welcome 36 Iraqi refugees—14 children, 10 women and 12 men. I am very proud to share that these new community members were welcomed into our city with a personal pick-up from the airport and a special reception and orientation by Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services.
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