Australia’s transformation into one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world has been central to its economic prosperity, dynamism and social cohesion. This diversity gives Australia a competitive edge in the global economy, and is a source of skills, continuing creativity and innovation. It is therefore recommended that political, business and community leaders actively promote the positive and mutually supportive relationship between Australian multiculturalism and a prosperous and vibrant society.
 

To ensure all Australians enjoy the benefits of economic prosperity, it is essential that all institutions of government and civil society are involved in the ongoing creation of a just and equitable society. Systemic barriers in the justice, legal and welfare fields continue to prevent access to services for people of CALD backgrounds. It is recommended that governments remain committed to identifying and addressing issues of social disadvantage and to fostering equal access and opportunity for all Australians.
 

Unequivocal and bipartisan political support for multiculturalism is necessary to combat fear and insularity within the wider Australian community. It is recommended that political leaders are unambiguous in their support of cultural diversity, and that they actively support multiculturalism as a sound policy base from which solutions to current and future challenges can be met. It is further recommended that multiculturalism is embraced as relevant to all Australians.
 

A working knowledge of English is important to being able to participate fully in Australian life. Investment in language-learning programmes is therefore critical in fostering a just and inclusive society. It is recommended that the present cap of 510 hours allocated to new migrants and humanitarian entrants is increased, and that the delivery of Adult Migrant English Programs better accommodate the diverse circumstances and needs of program participants. This is particularly relevant for refugees with a history of torture and trauma and who may have a disrupted education, or for migrants who struggle to balance work and family commitments and cannot attend the English language acquisition programs during business hours. It is further recommended that English-language programs and workforce entrance programs are more effectively coordinated to enhance outcomes.
 

To ensure inclusiveness not only in policy but in practice, it is recommend that comprehensive service obligations are established for public and publicly-funded agencies. Embedding equity targets, cultural competency training, and CALD action plans in service specifications and contractual arrangements is a prerequisite for effective service delivery to CALD communities. Such policy measures and practices need to ensure culturally proactive initiatives are not merely an ‘add-on’, but are ‘mainstreamed’ into a whole-of-organisation approach.
 

More research and improved data collection methods are required for service managers and policy makers to more effectively tailor programs to the needs of people from CALD backgrounds, and to ensure the delivery of needs-based services. Extensive and improved data collection methods are further required to quantify the extent to which services are meeting the diversity of needs of community members, and to ensure proper monitoring and accountability processes are in place.
 

It is recommended that all migrants and humanitarian entrants have equal opportunities to participate fully in the community through meaningful Australian citizenship. To achieve this aim, citizenship tests that disadvantage those from CALD backgrounds, should not be established nor should such tests be used as instruments of control or exclusion. Linking citizenship to English language skills will potentially disadvantage people who have much to offer Australian society, particularly those for whom English literacy is limited, or who may not have sufficient educational opportunities or skills. It is therefore recommended that the present citizenship testing regime is reconsidered on justice and equity grounds.
 

A diverse media that provides access to a range of cultures and languages is essential to an inclusive, democratic society. It is therefore recommended that SBS maintains the unique and independent perspective it has forged since its inception, and that commercial imperatives do not compromise or diminish the quality or diversity of programs it offers. Concerns persist that increasing reliance on advertising revenue will compromise the levels of government funding SBS is able to attract in the future.
 

To ensure better health outcomes, it is recommended that service development and delivery is combined with community capacity building. Building relationships with diverse communities by engaging with health consumers and ethno-specific organisations needs to be the foundation of any strategy to increase access to services, and health programs need to be developed in partnership with ethnic communities to ensure they are culturally appropriate and relevant to specific community needs.
 

Negative media depictions of certain ethnic groups misrepresent their strengths and achievements, contributing to the alienation of youth from CALD backgrounds. To combat cultural generalisations and stereotyping, it is recommended that the media fulfil their obligations to be socially responsible and accurate, and that positive role models and leaders from CALD communities are given greater voice and expression. It is further recommended that media organisations undertake pro-active recruitment and training of CALD youth.
 

It is recommended that greater representation of young people from CALD backgrounds is prioritised within both the government and community sector. This includes providing CALD young people with formal, funded mechanisms to enable their views and perspectives to be given greater emphasis within policy debates and public forums.
 

Access to well planned and well delivered settlement services are vital in assisting new migrants to develop the skills necessary to participate effectively in the Australian community. Without early, effective interventions and culturally responsive services, there is the risk that the initial disadvantages of humanitarian entrants could become entrenched. In addition to initial intensive assistance, it is important that new migrants and humanitarian entrants have the ability to seek assistance beyond the first six months of their arrival. It is therefore recommended that current settlement services are more adequately funded, better coordinated, and more culturally responsive and accommodating to the diverse needs of their clients. This requires improved integration between settlement and mainstream services, and clear referral paths and communication strategies.
 

Cultural inclusion and empowerment are about drawing on the strengths of cultural diversity so that innovative and creative approaches can be developed. Whilst governments have a clear obligation to develop initiatives and services to met this objective, it is also critical that grassroots leadership and community capacity building is nurtured, enabling community members to develop their skills and infrastructure and the ability to articulate their own priorities and perspectives. It is recommended that leadership and capacity-building amongst CALD communities are promoted at a local level, and that governments work with CALD communities in a collaborative manner that recognises their skills and talents and that supports community networks and partnerships.
 

It is recommended that specific constraints which impede CALD women’s political and economic contributions are given specific consideration. This includes strengthening mentoring and leadership programs; increasing the representation of CALD women in decision-making roles; giving greater visibility and voice to CALD women in the media, arts, and sports; and the provision of funding to organisations that specially work with CALD women.
 

It is recommended that the Federal Government dedicates resources to the development of a national framework for a culturally competent aged care system, and that consideration is given to developing a national strategy for CALD positive ageing and aged care. In designing aged-care strategies it is further suggested that governments support and acknowledge the important role of ethno-specific and multicultural service providers by ensuring their active involvement in service planning.