A shared commitment to the philosophy of multiculturalism and the benefits of cultural diversity would be outlined in a new charter being pursued by the ACT government.
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The government will this week begin public consultation on new laws that would also enshrine the existing multicultural advisory council and force the government to regularly report on outcomes for the multicultural community.
A discussion paper to be released on Monday includes a proposed charter that says the territory will support multiculturalism by promoting active citizenship and mutual respect regardless of background.
"We value all ACT residents, and we can all contribute towards making our territory a harmonious and respectful place to live, where we rejoice in sharing our humanity, by learning about each other and extending the hand of friendship," the proposed charter's preamble says.
"We recognise we all have a role to play through our workplaces and organisations, as individuals and collectively, in promoting an inclusive and respectful ACT society."
The charter would deliver on a priority action of the territory's 2015-20 multicultural framework, while legislating the advisory council is a commitment in the current parliamentary agreement between Labor and the Greens.
The role of the advisory council includes providing advice to the multicultural affairs minister and consulting with culturally diverse communities.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Tara Cheyne said it was important for the legislation to belong to the citizens of Canberra, and encouraged people to participate in the consultation process.
"This is an opportunity to further raise the prominence of the multicultural community and promote the rights of everyone to participate in the social, economic and cultural life of our city," Ms Cheyne said.
"As a city and as a people, we are committed to multiculturalism. But we know that multiculturalism is a shared responsibility. The development of a Multicultural Recognition Act signifies - and formalises in legislation - the value that we as a community place on multiculturalism in the ACT."
ACT Multicultural Advisory Council chair Dr Kirk Zwangonbani welcomed the development of the new laws.
"The council welcomes the commitment the ACT government has made to developing and implementing this important piece of legislation and we look forward to continuing to work closely with them as it progresses," Dr Zwangonbani said.
Consultation on the legislation will finish late next month, with the bill expected to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly in November.
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