Multicultural Action Plan (PDF - 2.5MB) - City of Greater Geelong

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Policy Context
A relevant human right
CoGG’s intention to further commit to cultural diversity,
through the MAP, has been informed by national, state and
local government legislation, policies and strategies.
The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and
Responsibilities Act 2006 includes the following
references to cultural diversity:
“All persons with a particular cultural, religious, racial
or linguistic background must not be denied the right,
in community with other persons of that background,
to enjoy his or her culture, to declare and practise his
or her religion and to use his or her language.” 1
“Subject to this section, it is unlawful for a public
authority to act in a way that is incompatible with
a human right or, in making a decision, to fail to give
proper consideration to a relevant human right.” 2
Other relevant Victorian Government Legislation includes:
• The Multicultural Victoria Amendment Act 2008
• The Multicultural Victoria Act 2004
• Racial and Religious Intolerance Act 2001
• Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995
CITy OF GREATER GEELOnG
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1 Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, Section 19 – Cultural Rights Page 11
2 Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, Section 38 – Conduct of Public Authorities Page 22
3 “All Of Us: Victoria’s Multicultural Policy”, Victorian Multicultural Commission 2009, Page 6
4 Local Government Act 1989, Section 32 C
5 Local Government Act 1989, Section 32 D
In addition to State legislation, the following reports and
policies provide context for cultural diversity planning:
"Access, Services, Support, Respect: Local Governments
Response to Cultural Diversity in Victoria"
2003 Victorian Multicultural Commission report.
“All of Us: Victoria’s Multicultural Policy”, sets out a
framework for continuing to strengthen and promote
multiculturalism across the state. “One of Victoria’s
greatest strengths and defining attributes is our rich
cultural, linguistic and religious diversity” 3
The Local Government Act 1989 specifies the role and
objectives of local government. It states that a council must
act “to improve the overall quality of life of people in the local
community; and to ensure that services and facilities provided
by the Council are accessible and equitable”. 4 Further, the role
of Council includes “acting as a representative government by
taking into account the diverse needs of the local community
in decision making; and fostering community cohesion and
encouraging active participation in civic life.” 5
The Municipal Association of Victoria 2007 Statement
of Commitment to Cultural Diversity advocates for actions
to nurture, promote and celebrate cultural diversity and an
inclusive local government sector.
As a member of the Victorian Local Governance
Association, the CoGG is committed to “the support and
response of cultural diversity through social policy objectives”.