Multicultural Policy and Action Plan

'Our story, our future' is the Queensland Government's Multicultural Policy (PDF, 3.0MB) promoting an inclusive, harmonious and united Queensland.

The Multicultural Policy focuses Queensland Government commitment for people from culturally diverse backgrounds and for Queensland as a whole across 3 priorities:

  1. achieving culturally responsive government
  2. supporting inclusive, harmonious and united communities
  3. improving economic opportunities.

By focusing on these priorities, the Queensland Government will support equality of opportunity for all Queenslanders and harness the remarkable benefits cultural diversity offers.

The first Multicultural Action Plan (PDF, 389.7KB) spanned 2016–17 to 2018–19. Following cessation of the first Multicultural Action Plan, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs is required to table a report in Parliament about the multicultural policy, and release a further Multicultural Action Plan as required by Sections 20 and 21 of the Multicultural Recognition Act 2016.

The First Progress Report on the Queensland Multicultural Policy (PDF, 4.7MB) was tabled in Parliament in August 2019. It presents key outcomes achieved across Government through actions in the first Multicultural Action Plan, and discusses future opportunities for action.

The second Multicultural Action Plan (PDF, 501.2KB) , which spanned 2019–20 to 2021–22, built on outcomes achieved under the first Multicultural Action Plan.

Read about the broad actions and related sub-actions in the second Multicultural Action Plan.

The third Queensland Multicultural Action Plan (PDF, 3.4MB) which spans 2022–23 to 2023–24 builds on outcomes achieved under the first and second Multicultural Action Plans. This plan focuses on six actions to build the economy and community, provide better access to interpreters, and improve cultural diversity data to enhance service delivery. It will continue to drive Queensland Government action to support an environment of opportunity and achieve improved social and economic outcomes for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Join a Board

In both the second (PDF, 501.2KB) and third (PDF, 3.4MB) Multicultural Queensland Action Plans, the Queensland Government committed to increasing diversity of all forms on Queensland Government boards.

The third Action Plan also includes a commitment for Government to engage with stakeholders to develop a whole-of-government target for the representation of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds on Queensland Government boards to be implemented over the five-year period, 2022–23 to 2026–27.

The Diversity and Inclusion on Boards toolkit (PDF, 1.9MB) and Diversity on Boards Action Plan Template (PDF, 151.7KB) have been designed to provide useful information, practical strategies and tools to assist in increasing participation and representation of all forms of diversity. A diversity of representation on Queensland Government boards means that Queensland benefits from the wealth of experience, knowledge and innovative ideas of all Queenslanders.

Potential candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to join the Queensland Register of Nominees to be considered for future Queensland Government board and committee positions.

Public reporting on action plan

The Multicultural Recognition Act 2016 requires all government agencies to report publicly on their actions in the plan and provide a summary of their progress every year. This allows the community to track how the government is achieving positive change, and provides a picture of where we need to make changes to investment or services.

Links to government agencies’ 2021–22 reports on the second Multicultural Action Plan are listed below.

2021–22 agency reports