How can we modernise our state’s multicultural legislation to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of our growing multicultural community?

What is being decided?

We are reviewing the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission Act 1980 to ensure it reflects the changing needs of our multicultural community.

Legislative reform will set a firm foundation for the development of new multicultural policy, which will reflect the state’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.

We want the legislation to recognise the valuable contribution of our multicultural community, and further support the development of culturally responsive government services.

The review and consultation will focus on the following Terms of Reference:

1. Explore options for expanding the scope and purpose of the legislation to enshrine multicultural policy directions
2. Review the functions and powers of the Commission and ensure its title reflects this
3. Review the appointment process of Commission members
4. Contemporise the language used in the Act

The Multicultural Legislative Review 2019 Discussion Paper has been prepared to inform and guide the engagement process. The paper includes discussion of the Terms of Reference, current practices under existing legislation, a summary of legislative and policy approaches in other Australian jurisdictions, a set of suggested multicultural principles, proposed approaches and questions for consideration and feedback.

A Multicultural Legislative Review 2019 Research Paper has also been developed to accompany the discussion paper. The research paper provides a description of current multicultural legislation, advisory mechanisms and multicultural policies in other jurisdictions.

The discussion paper should be read in conjunction with the research paper and the Act.

We are strongly commited to supporting our diverse and vibrant multicultural community.

Get involved

Help us shape the new multicultural legislation:

• Join the online discussion
• Complete the survey
• Attend a community forum
• Email your feedback to multiculturalreview@sa.gov.au

How can your input influence the decision?

Community input is critical to ensuring that the new legislation reflects community views and changing needs. Your feedback will help us understand what changes to legislation should be made or considered.

What are the next steps?

An engagement report will be published in June 2019, detailing what we heard from the community and stakeholders.

Contact

For further information:

Read: Frequently Ask Questions
Email: multiculturalreview@sa.gov.au
Phone: 8429 5951

Closing date: 5pm Monday 3 June 2019