New milestone for a multicultural Queensland

All of Queensland will benefit from a new state government multicultural policy released by Premier Anna Bligh today says the Queensland Council of Social Service.

Specifically, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds look set to see improvements in services. The long-awaited renewed policy will help improve the lives of individuals and communities.

“It is particularly encouraging that the policy includes a whole-of-government multicultural action plan,” says QCOSS President Karyn Walsh.

“This renewed commitment to multiculturalism is important - as is the increase in funding to community groups and the move to recognise multicultural Queenslanders through specific legislation,” says Karyn.

The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, QCOSS and other community organisations provided input and recommendations to government about the policy. Many of the issues raised have been included and incorporated.

“We fully endorse ECCQ when it says this is a ‘significant step forward in recognising and guaranteeing multiculturalism as a key feature of Queensland’s future’,” says Karyn.

“The move to address issues of access to interpreters is also welcome and is critical for community services to meet the needs of multicultural communities.

“Implementation of the new policy will be important and critical. We look forward to working with government and other stakeholders to make this happen.

“The state government has taken the important first steps toward recognising that language services should also include hearing impaired communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

“We have advocated for a separate language services policy for quite some time and acknowledge that the state government has fulfilled its commitment to releasing one,” says Karyn.

For 50 years QCOSS has strived to promote social justice through working to eliminate inequality and disadvantage. The Queensland Council of Social Service represents 650 organisations and individuals throughout the state.

Karyn Walsh 0413 619 785

Mark Jeffery 0419 732 583

Ian Wynne 0414 643 122

Jenny Whitworth 0417 779 819