New name for office of Multicultural Interests

4/12/98

The State Government has moved to strengthen the value of citizenship in the Western Australian community by formally incorporating it into the Office of Multicultural Interests.

The agency officially changes its name today to the Office of Citizenship and Multicultural Interests. It remains under the control of Minister Mike Board.

The Governor swore in Mr Board, who was previously responsible for Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, as Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests in August.

"This expanded portfolio recognises the value of citizenship to the community and also broadens the focus of multicultural activities in this State," Mr Board said.

"The concept of citizenship embraces both fairness and equality and gives all Western Australians the opportunity to value the cultural diversity which we enjoy."

The Minister said the new portfolio would provide an inclusive point of focus for all Western Australians, no matter what their cultural background.

He said it would give everybody in the State the opportunity to share an understanding of the true meaning of citizenship and to develop pride in being a member of a democratic multicultural community.

"Most importantly this approach will help to equip young people with the skills and understanding they need to take up their responsibilities as citizens," Mr Board said.

The Citizenship and Multicultural Interests portfolio will have links with initiatives in the Youth portfolio, such as the WA Youth Awards Showcase and with Youth Advisory Councils (YACs) across the State.

The showcase focuses on the achievements of young people and their involvement in the community and the YACs provide young people with a direct input to the Minister through the Office of Youth Affairs.

In addition, the portfolio will liaise with the Education Department of WA to assist in providing the means for young people to develop an understanding of citizenship and an appreciation of the strength of our cultural diversity.

"As we approach the millennium and the Centenary of Federation, the portfolio will also provide a repository for various community celebrations and functions," the Minister said.

"These could include the 50th anniversary of Australian citizenship, Year 2000 celebrations and Centenary of Federation festivities."

Mr Board said that it was appropriate that these celebrations for all Western Australians should be brought together in a portfolio that also celebrates our cultural diversity.

He said the establishment of a Western Australian Citizenship and Multicultural Advisory Council, in the New Year, would canvas community input and advise him on issues of citizenship and social harmony.

"We will continue to work closely with all multicultural community groups and projects in the State," Mr Board said.

"Including the Ethnic Communities Council of WA, the Australia Day Council, Celebrate WA and the Australian Asian Association.

"Our WA community is made up of people from more than 200 different cultural backgrounds and this new portfolio will help focus understanding on the strength of our cultural diversity.

"I am sure that members of our multicultural community will share my belief that the combination of citizenship with multicultural interests will broaden rather than narrow their focus."

Media contact: Jody Robb 9222 9211