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Multiculturalism at the heart of stronger communities
The Greens NSW Platform for celebrating diversity
Australia and NSW have a history of successful multiculturalism. Immigration has enriched this state’s society and culture, while strengthening the economy. While multiculturalism has been a cornerstone of social policy, the celebration of diversity is under increasing risk from politically motivated attacks. The Greens aim to reinvigorate support for multiculturalism as the centrepiece of a vision for a successful and cohesive society.
Ministry of Multiculturalism and Ethnic Affairs The Greens would reinstate the multiculturalism portfolio and appoint a minister who would be committed to working with communities to build support and participation in the multicultural future.
To fully draw on the valuable contribution migrant communities offer The Greens would coordinate policy formation and services and ensure that all services are appropriate and accessible.
The Greens would:
- Reinstate the Ministry of Multi-cultural Affairs
- by separating the Community Relations Commission
- from the Ministry of Citizenship.
- Increase funding by 10% to further promote
- inter-cultural and intra-community understanding ($1.5m per annum);
Language teaching and support
The number of English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in public
schools has not increased since 1987, despite massive growth in demand for their
services. The Greens are working to restore the teacher:student ratio to 1987
levels by immediately employing 300 new ESL teachers.
The Greens would also increase funding for the teaching of community languages
other than English (CLOTE) in public schools to promote greater cultural
understanding and global citizenship.
The Greens recognise that a diverse language base is a cultural and economic asset that can be better utilised. The Greens would work with migrant communities to develop new skills and strengthen ties to key overseas markets.
Eliminate the short-fall in ESL teachers by increasing the number of ESL teachers ($19m);
Support the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) which provides language and literacy tuition for all newly-arrived migrants. The Greens will oppose the contracting out of this provision to private providers.
Resourcing the Adult Migrant Education Service (AMES) to deliver an enhanced
Skillmax Program that provides skilled migrants with language and literacy tuition
for jobseeking and workplace.
Greater resource and leadership for CLOTE programs in public schools. In consultation with community groups, the Greens would develop a whole of government plan to increase trade and cultural ties based on local community strengths.
Investment in appropriate and targeted services
The Greens would invest in more interpreter and translation services to ensure
languge is not a barrier to people from non-English speaking backgrounds
accessing all government and community provided services.
The Greens would massively increase:
- free interpreter services and multi-lingual information on all government and communityservices, particularly for those services associated with refugees, disabilities and domestic violence.
- Free interpreter services for non-government support agencies (Cost – $8m each year). While supporting communities of Australia’s newest arrivals, the Greens are mindful that Australia’s indigenous owners are also central to the rich cultural tapestry that we value. Support for indigenous Australians is contained in separate policy.
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