Nth Queensland views sought on Action Plan

Improving and supporting the state’s cultural diversity is the focus of an Action Plan that various North Queensland organisations will help to shape.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes will lead a community forum in Townsville to develop the Queensland Cultural Diversity Action Plan, which is designed to improve migrants’ prospects of attaining jobs and participating in the community.

“Migrants and refugees play an important part in growing the economy, which we promised to do through tourism, agriculture, resources and construction,” Mr Elmes said.

“Queensland is better socially and stronger economically for the contribution made by migrants and refugees over the past two centuries.

“Our new Cultural Diversity Policy reflects our dedication to provide equality of opportunity for all Queenslanders to participate fully in our strong economy and enjoy our vibrant society.

“The Action Plan will have practical strategies to give life to the Policy.

“It will focus on improved outcomes in education participation and attainment, economic independence and community participation.”

Mr Elmes said that a significant barrier to economic and social participation for some people from culturally diverse backgrounds is a lack of English language proficiency.

The Action Plan will promote language independence by developing strategies to improve language ability and self-sufficiency for people with limited English language skills.

“The State Government wants to provide equity of opportunity for all Queenslanders so that each person can participate in our strong economy and enjoy our vibrant society,” he said.

“This means making sure we put in place the right actions to deliver real outcomes for our culturally diverse communities.

“That’s why we are inviting key service providers and community groups to provide us with advice and feedback that will shape the action plan.

“Their ideas on how we can break down barriers to achieve these outcomes and generate opportunities that lead to individual participation will be invaluable to the process.”

The forum, the first of four across the state, will be held at the Function Room, Tony Ireland Stadium, 2 Sporting Drive, Thuringowa between 1.00 – 4.00pm.

[ENDS] 11 March 2014

Media Contact: Peter McCarthy 0408 835 548