New South Wales Consolidated Acts

COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION AND PRINCIPLES OF MULTICULTURALISM ACT 2000 - SECT 3

3 Principles of multiculturalism

(1) Parliament recognises that the people of New South Wales are of different linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds, who, either individually or in community with other members of their respective groups, are free to profess, practise and maintain their own linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic heritage. It does so by supporting and promoting the following principles of multiculturalism:

(a) All individuals in New South Wales should have the greatest possible opportunity to contribute to, and participate in, all aspects of public life in which they may legally participate.

(b) 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.

(c) 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 New South Wales.

(d) All institutions of New South Wales should recognise the linguistic and cultural assets in the population of New South Wales as a valuable resource and promote this resource to maximise the development of the State.

(2) Parliament also recognises that those principles are based on citizenship. The expression "citizenship" is not limited to formal Australian citizenship, but refers to the rights and responsibilities of all people in a multicultural society in which there is:

(a) a recognition of the importance of shared values within a democratic framework governed by the rule of law, and

(b) a unifying commitment to Australia, its interests and future.

The principles of multiculturalism are to be construed accordingly.

(3) The principles of multiculturalism are the policy of the State.

(4) Accordingly, each public authority must observe the principles of multiculturalism in conducting its affairs.

(5) It is the duty of the chief executive officer of each public authority to implement the provisions of this section within the area of his or her administration.