Today, community leaders, policymakers, and representatives from culturally and linguistically diverse communities gathered in Perth to discuss the development of a WA Multicultural Act. The forum provided an important platform to explore how legislation can support inclusivity, fairness, and belonging across the state. Participants focused on the guiding principles, core values, and practical measures that a Multicultural Act should enshrine to reflect the diversity and aspirations of Western Australians.
A WA Multicultural Act should place the recognition of Aboriginal peoples as the First Peoples of Western Australia at its foundation. The Act should affirm their enduring cultures, languages, and custodianship of Country, acknowledging that multicultural communities thrive on Aboriginal land. Embedding Aboriginal perspectives and requiring partnership and co-design with Aboriginal organisations ensures that multicultural policy respects sovereignty, supports truth-telling, and strengthens reconciliation.
The Act should uphold respect for cultural identity by protecting community languages, recognising cultural traditions, and supporting the expression of heritage. Equality and fairness must be guaranteed, ensuring all people have access to services, opportunities, and justice while addressing systemic discrimination and promoting anti-racism. Full participation in civic and democratic life is essential, enabling all residents to engage, lead, and contribute to public institutions. Diversity must be recognised as a social, cultural, and economic strength that drives innovation, creativity, and prosperity for Western Australia.
Mutual respect, understanding, and social cohesion are vital for building a united and harmonious society. The Act should encourage shared values while supporting multilingualism alongside English as the common language of public life. It should require proactive action against racism, discrimination, and hate, ensuring that inclusion, belonging, and social harmony are central to daily life in every community. Definitions of key terms such as multiculturalism, diversity, equity, inclusion, social cohesion, and culturally responsive practice will clarify the law and guide practical implementation across government, institutions, and communities.
An independent multicultural advisory body is crucial to ensure the voices of people from CaLD backgrounds are heard. This body should provide advice to the Minister, monitor policy outcomes, engage with communities across metropolitan and regional areas, and raise awareness about racism and discrimination. It should include members with expertise in community leadership, anti-racism, public policy, and Aboriginal engagement. The advisory body should connect directly with CaLD communities through accessible, multilingual, and trusted communication channels while sharing its achievements transparently.
The public sector should have clear responsibilities under the Act to provide culturally responsive services, including qualified interpreters, multilingual communication, data collection, and inclusive recruitment practices. Agencies should be legally required to implement multicultural policies consistently and be accountable for their outcomes. Policies from the WA Multicultural Policy Framework, Language Services Policy, and Substantive Equality Framework should be embedded in law to ensure equity, access, and long-term commitment. Local governments and regional agencies must also play a central role in engaging with communities, ensuring that multicultural inclusion is a statewide responsibility.
A Multicultural Act will demonstrate Western Australia’s commitment to its diverse population by making inclusion, equity, and anti-racism enforceable obligations. Regular reporting and transparency will show how the Act is being used and highlight measurable improvements in service access, community engagement, and social cohesion. The legislation will strengthen partnerships between government, community organisations, and multicultural communities, ensuring that multiculturalism shapes how people live together across all areas of the state.
The forum concluded with strong support for a Multicultural Act that combines aspirational values with practical measures. Recognition of First Peoples, respect for cultural identity, equality, democratic participation, diversity as a strength, and the inclusion of all communities will provide a foundation for a fairer and more harmonious Western Australia. The Act will guide government, institutions, and communities to build a society where everyone belongs, differences are celebrated, and multiculturalism becomes a living principle for decades to come.
