‘On 14 October 2021, the landmark South Australian Multicultural Bill 2021 passed both Houses of Parliament and will soon become law.

This historically significant occurrence fulfils the Government’s aim of providing new legislation that reflects the needs of our multicultural state today and sets a foundation for modern policy directions.

Developed following the 2019 review of the South Australian Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission Act 1980, the state’s sole piece of multicultural legislation, the South Australian Multicultural Bill will replace the SAMEAC Act.

The Bill reflects the feedback received during the review consultation, which strongly supported the need for us to expand our thinking on multiculturalism. To this end, the concept of interculturalism has been incorporated into the legislation as being inclusive, contemporary, and encouraging greater collaboration and the exchange of information and ideas between all sectors of our diverse community.

The centrepiece of the new legislation is the South Australian Multicultural Charter, which will be developed following the passage of the legislation. The Charter will be a set of principles defining what multiculturalism and interculturalism mean to all South Australians. The development of the Charter will be led by the South Australian Multicultural Commission, which is charged with the responsibility of leading community consultations as a vital part of this process.

We look forward to working with you and your community to progress the future development of exciting new multicultural policy for our great State.’

Multicultural Affairs, Department of Premier and Cabinet