Multicultural advisory council focuses on youth engagement

• The Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council (MQAC) has met in Brisbane this week to discuss issues facing Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
• The meeting focused on enhancing engagement with young people and ensuring their unique needs are met.
• Prior to this week’s meeting, the MQAC had been looking at barriers people from CALD backgrounds face in regional, rural and remote areas.

The Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council has held a two-day meeting in Brisbane this week with a focus on how Queensland Government agencies are responding to the needs of young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Council members visited a local school to speak directly with students from CALD backgrounds about equity, diversity and inclusion opportunities as well as their personal experiences in navigating life in Queensland.

Members also engaged with representatives from the Department of Education, Queensland Police Service and the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training on how they are delivering their commitments under the Queensland Multicultural Action Plan.

The MQAC is responsible for providing advice to the Minister on how services and programs funded by the Queensland Government can be more responsive to the needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Leanne Linard:

“Queensland is a proudly multicultural state, so it’s critical that we continue to ensure barriers to social and economic participation for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are identified and addressed.

“When migrants and refugees are given the best chance to settle into a community, not only do they thrive, but they help our economy and community to prosper and grow.

“This is a great opportunity for us to discuss what we can all do to ensure everyone is supported to forge new connections and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

“The Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council provides advice to me on opportunities and barriers facing people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and I am proud of the work it is doing to foster inclusive and harmonious communities.

“The Palaszczuk Government deeply values the advice this Council provides.

“The members bring diverse cultural experiences to the table and are each committed to ensuring Queensland is inclusive and responsive to the needs of our increasingly diverse communities."

ENDS

Media contact: Scott Chandler – (07) 3719 7339