Multicultural Policy within Local Government in Australia

Abstract

This paper examines results from an Australia-wide survey of multicultural policies at the level of local government. Multicultural policies have the potential to advance a local 'politics of difference', recasting governance, such that citizenship is expanded. Multicultural policies are described in terms of access and equity programmes, community relations policies and symbolic representations of cultural diversity and inclusive citizenship. The questionnaire survey of managers within local government revealed a broad array of good practices. However, there remained significant service gaps for residents of non-English-speaking backgrounds as well as a general reluctance to tackle instances of serious intercommunal tension. There was also some hesitancy to embrace the notion of a diverse local citizenry.