Multicultural Policies & Services Program and UNE
Review of the Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS) Program.
The Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS) Program, which is underpinned by the (NSW) Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000, was reviewed in 2008, following 25 years as the principal system of multicultural governance in the New South Wales public sector. As a result of the review and to better reflect its evolving objectives, the EAPS Program has been renamed the Multicultural Policies and Services Program (MPSP) with accompanying streamlined processes and framework.
As a public sector agency/public authority the University of New England is expected by the Multicultural Policies and Service Program requirements to:
- implement the principals of multiculturalism as set out in section 3 of the (NSW) Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000 as per Premier’s Memo 1997-07, current
- integrate these principles into the University’s core business processes and strategic plan
- have a current MPSP Plan (multicultural plan) which will set out how the University will meet its public accountabilities in relation to a culturally, religious and linguistically diverse community
- include a summary multicultural progress and future strategies report* in the University’s Annual Report as per the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Regulation 2010
[*A copy of the combined EEO/MPSP Survey used to gather information for this summary report, can be downloaded as a Word document (.docx).]
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION AND PRINCIPLES OF MULTICULTURALISM ACT 2000 - SECT 3 [as at 7 January 2011]
Principles of multiculturalism
(1) Multiculturalism is founded on the following principles (the "principles of multiculturalism"):
(a) 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,
(b) all individuals in New South Wales, irrespective of their linguistic, religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds, should demonstrate a unified commitment to Australia, its interests and future and should recognise the importance of shared values governed by the rule of law within a democratic framework,
(c) 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,
(d) 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,
(e) all individuals should have the greatest possible opportunity to make use of and participate in relevant activities and programmes provided or administered by the Government of New South Wales,
(f) 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 recognises that the principles of multiculturalism 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.
(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.
Note: The Principles of Multiculturalism are related to service delivery that meets the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities of immigrant background. See Question 13 at MPSP Frequently Asked Questions
UNE MPSP PLAN
The UNE MPSP Plan (multicultural plan) will set out how the University will meet its public accountabilities in relation to a culturally, religious and linguistically diverse community. The multicultural plan will incorporate the following MPSP Framework:
PLANNING AND EVALUATION
Outcome 1: Planning
Multicultural policy goals are integrated into the overall corporate and business planning, as well as the review mechanisms of the University.
Outcome 2: Consultation and feedback
Policy development and service delivery is informed by University expertise and by client feedback and complaints, and participation on advisory boards, significant committees and consultations.
CAPACITY BUILDING AND RESOURCING
Outcome 3: Leadership
CEOs and senior managers actively promote and are accountable for the implementation of the Principles of Multiculturalism within the University and the wider community.
Outcome 4: Human resources
The capacity of the University is enhanced by the employment and training of people with linguistic and cultural expertise.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Outcome 5: Access and equity
Barriers to the accessibility of services for people from culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse backgrounds are identified, and programs and services are developed to address them.
Outcome 6: Communication
A range of communication formats and channels are used to inform people from culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse backgrounds about University programs, services and activities.
Outcome 7: Social and economic development
Programs and activities are in place to develop and use the skills of a culturally diverse population, for the social and economic benefit of the region.