South Australia has a vibrant and culturally diverse society, whose contribution has helped shape our identity and made South Australia a proud multicultural state.
To strengthen our culturally connected South Australia, the state government has launched the first South Australian Multicultural Charter.
Development of the Multicultural Charter is a key part of bringing the South Australian Multicultural Act 2021 to life for all South Australians.
The Multicultural Charter recognises where we have come from, where we are now and where we want to go to as an inclusive multicultural society.
It contains six principles to promote a unified, harmonious, and inclusive South Australian community that values, respects and supports diversity.
The South Australian Multicultural Charter is for all South Australians.
It will provide guidance to South Australian government agencies, organisations, institutions, businesses and communities and be a foundation for all South Australian service delivery, policy and program development, by placing cultural diversity at the heart of decision making.
The Multicultural Charter has been shaped by community consultation and was developed in collaboration with leading multicultural organisations, Commissioners for Public Sector Employment, Equal Opportunity and Aboriginal Engagement, government agencies and universities.
All South Australians are encouraged to download a copy of the Charter and look for ways to include the Charter and its principles in their clubs, organisations and workplaces.
A comprehensive guide is available to help South Australians understand and apply the Charter by providing practical ideas and examples to help bring the Charter and its principles to life.
South Australian Multicultural Charter (PDF, 400.5 KB)
South Australian Multicultural Charter Guide (PDF, 510.9 KB)
South Australian Multicultural Charter Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 317.2 KB)
The South Australian Multicultural Charter
The South Australian Multicultural Act 2021 sets out to advance multiculturalism and interculturalism and provides for the South Australian Multicultural Charter (the Charter). This Charter will provide vision and guidance to South Australian agencies, organisations, institutions, business and communities as a foundation for all South Australian policy development and the design and delivery of their services.
The South Australian Multicultural Charter acknowledges:
- Aboriginal peoples as the Traditional Owners and occupants of the land and waters in South Australia who continue to maintain and develop their cultural and heritage beliefs as the longest living diverse culture, with a significant historical and ongoing role as the First Nations people in South Australia.
- The achievements and challenges of the generations who came before us and who, together with new and emerging communities, help shape South Australia’s identity.
This Charter is for all South Australians and seeks to:
- connect our community through recognition of cultural, linguistic, racial and religious diversity.
- create an environment in which to actively express, exchange knowledge, ideas and perspectives so all South Australians develop a deeper understanding and respect for the richness and value of our diversity.
- provide a foundation for the development of multicultural policies and the delivery of services that will benefit our communities and lead to the advancement of our State.
- encourage inclusive and accountable workplaces and communities for all South Australians.
Charter Principles
The South Australian Multicultural Charter sets out the principles by which all South Australians:
- Recognise, respect and value cultural, linguistic, racial and religious diversity and the contribution this has made, and continues to make, to our State.
- Are encouraged to engage in the reciprocal exchange of knowledge and understanding of our cultural, linguistic, racial and religious diversity.
- Are able to live, work and study to thrive in all aspects of life in a cohesive society.
- Have the right to mutual respect, understanding, fairness, safety and freedom from discrimination based on their cultural, linguistic, racial and religious background.
- Should lawfully be able to preserve, express, practice and celebrate their cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
- Have equitable access to opportunities and services that support participation in the educational, social, cultural, economic and political life of our State.
Translations
The South Australian Multicultural Charter is available to download in multiple languages.
South Australian Multicultural Charter translations
Digital Engagement Kit
A digital engagement kit is available to help South Australians promote the Multicultural Charter within their networks and communities.
Multicultural Charter Digital Engagement Kit (ZIP, 6.9 MB)
Multicultural South Australia Ambassador Program
The state government has committed to developing an Ambassador Program to activate the Multicultural Charter and embed the Charter’s principles within South Australian organisations’ workforces, business practices and service delivery.
Multicultural South Australia Ambassador Program
Development of the South Australian Multicultural Charter
The South Australian Multicultural Act 2021 came into operation on 2 December 2021 and the South Australian Multicultural Charter is a key part of bringing this new legislation to life for all South Australians.