Minister for Multiculturalism John Ajaka tonight hosted a Multicultural Community
Reception at Parliament House attended by NSW Premier Mike Baird.

More than 200 representatives of the NSW Consular Corps, cultural, religious
and media organisations attended the Reception.

New South Wales has a strong history of championing cultural and linguistic
diversity and promoting the social and economic advantages that flow from it.
The state is home to more than 200 different languages, practice more than 125
different religions and almost 300 ancestries.

Mr Ajaka said that since being appointed Minister for Multiculturalism he has
been delighted to meet many consular officials, community groups, and hundreds
of organisations.

“Almost 50 per cent of people in NSW were either born overseas or have a
parent who was born overseas, and I am one of those people,” Mr Ajaka said.
The NSW Government is committed to building and maintaining a cohesive and
harmonious society that enriches the lives of everyone in New South Wales.

The Harmony in Action strategic plan, released by the NSW Government details
the steps being taken to build on the success of New South Wales, as a diverse
and harmonious society.

The strategic plan echoes the New South Wales Government’s aspirations to
represent all communities living in our great State.
Under this forward-looking plan, multicultural policy in this state is innovative,
responsive and inclusive.