Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to table an explanatory memorandum relating to the bill.

Leave granted.

I table an explanatory memorandum and I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The speech read as follows—

The Australian Multicultural Bill 2018 (the bill) will enshrine the principles of diversity and multiculturalism in federal legislation. Enshrining the principles of multiculturalism in law is consistent with state legislation and ensures multilateral and ongoing support for multiculturalism.

The bill establishes a federal multicultural commission, to be named the Australian Multicultural Commission (the commission). The commission will provide a single coordination point for integrated responses to the government on issues associated with cultural diversity.

The commission will also have responsibility for researching, reporting and making recommendations to the Minister on community issues relating to its objectives, as well as developing and maintaining partnerships between community organisations.

In addition to establishing the commission, the bill stipulates annual reporting requirements for Commonwealth entities. These include:

Other reporting requirements would include the extent to which people from diverse backgrounds were represented during the period on boards and committees established by the entity, or for which the entity had responsibility. It would also include the collection of statistical data during the period to enable the development of policies, programs and practices that are sensitive and responsive to the multicultural character of Australia.

Independent research tells us that individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds face a series of structural barriers, both in the workplace and when accessing a range of services. This includes, but is not limited to:

The bill plays a role in addressing the structural barriers which multicultural communities face, while embedding the value of multiculturalism in federal legislation. Enshrining in legislation clear guiding principles, and the steps that Commonwealth entities must take to promote multiculturalism, will provide greater protection for these values, regardless of which political party is in Government.

I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.