Queensland Parliament today passed legislation which ensures greater support for the state’s multicultural communities.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Grace Grace welcomed the passage of the Multicultural Recognition Bill 2015.

“This Bill formally recognises Queensland as a multicultural society,” she said.

“It reflects the Palaszczuk Government’s support for Queensland multiculturalism and will go a long way towards ensuring State Government policies, programs and services recognise and respond to our growing multicultural population.

“The Bill includes creates a Multicultural Queensland Charter outlining the principles of promoting harmony, inclusion and fairness and acknowledging the unique cultural contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

“It also commits the Queensland Government to developing a whole-of-government multicultural policy and action plan to ensure that government services are responsive to the needs of our multicultural communities.”

The Bill also establishes a Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council to provide direct advice to the Minister to ensure government policies support the needs, aspirations and contributions of people from diverse backgrounds.

Ms Grace said the new legislation delivered on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to provide greater support for multiculturalism and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“Queensland is a multicultural success story and this legislation is a statement of our values and aspirations,” she said.

“It also complements existing anti-discrimination legislation such as the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act and the Australian Racial Discrimination Act.”

For more information about the Bill, visit https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/multicultural