This Action Plan is the commitment of the Department of Education, Training and the Arts to developing and supporting a culturally diverse Queensland.
In December 2004 the Queensland Government endorsed the Multicultural Queensland - making a world of difference policy and required all government departments to develop an annual multicultural action plan.
This plan outlines the key priorities, specific actions and outcomes that will be achieved as the department works towards its implementation of the Multicultural Queensland - making a world of difference policy.
Schools and training institutions in particular play a critical role in upholding our universal ideals of human rights and the formation of values and attitudes that will shape our future society. This action plan is focused on developing values of inclusion and respect for cultural difference across the department, its schools, training institutes and arts organisations. This means that different cultures will be supported in their freedom to express, share and value one another's cultural heritage.
The process of developing the Action Plan has assisted the department in focusing its current work and future planning in developing awareness and responses to the multicultural nature of our organisation and the communities in which we work and serve. It is important that all parts of our organisation have strategies in place to ensure equality of opportunity for everyone to benefit from, and to contribute to, all aspects of life without prejudice or discrimination.
This Action Plan is the beginning of a process that will continue with further identification of actions and the formulation of initiatives that will enhance the possibility of making a world of difference in Education, Training and the Arts.
Regardless of our cultural, ethnic or religious background, each one of us has a role to play and a responsibility to ensure inclusive practices are developed in our work environments. This plan will help us all be mindful of that responsibility as we carry out our daily work.
The Department of Education, Training and the Arts is committed to: