Multicultural Queensland Charter to adorn State Parliament

The Queensland Multicultural Charter was jointly signed by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk,Multicultural Affairs Minister Grace Grace and Speaker Peter Wellington and it will be displayed at Parliament House.

One of the purposes of the Multicultural Recognition Act 2016 is to promote Queensland as a unified, harmonious and inclusive community by establishing the Multicultural Queensland Charter.

“Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds make an important contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of our State," she said. 

“This is reflected in the charter, which is an important part of my Government’s new Multicultural Policy, ‘Our story, our future’.  This policy recognises the value of multiculturalism and provides us with a clear direction for government action to ensure everyone can benefit from our diversity.”  

The Multicultural Queensland Charter:

1. A shared commitment to Queensland and Australia, and a free and democratic society governed by the rule of law, fosters a strong and unified community.
2. The people of Queensland come from many diverse backgrounds and have worked, and continue to work, together to build a prosperous, fair and harmonious Queensland.
3. The people of Queensland should be able to express and celebrate, in a lawful way, their cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
4. Equal rights and responsibilities under the law and equitable access to the services provided or funded by the government for all people of Queensland helps build a fair community.
5. A shared commitment, among members of the Queensland community, to mutual respect, fair treatment and valuing the diversity of peoples in the community fosters a caring, safe and inclusive community.
6. The creation of opportunities that encourage the full participation of people from diverse backgrounds in the cultural, economic, political and social life of Queensland helps build a prosperous state.
7. Sustained, respectful and inclusive engagements between all individuals, groups and the government are a basis for mutual understanding.
8. A unified and harmonious community promotes a sense of belonging among its people and builds community confidence and resilience.

Ms Grace said Queensland Multicultural Month was all about celebrating our cultural diversity and the rich fabric of our multicultural societies.

“Today’s charter signing reflects the government’s commitment to multiculturalism, tolerance and inclusion,” the Minister said.

“Our story, our future makes a clear statement against racism in all its forms, which is more important than ever given recent events here and abroad.” 

Link to pictures of the Charter signing ceremony https://www.dropbox.com/sh/oor74pfyhiobmll/AABlVd_58tbiBfsYBOGcXaLJa?dl=0​ 

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Premier's office) 0417 263 791