The Miles Labor Government will invest $53 million in strengthening social cohesion in Queensland communities
An Inclusive Communities Infrastructure Fund will be established, to deliver grants to help multicultural organisations build and upgrade facilities, put on community events and deliver support programs
24 community hubs will be supported in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Townsville, to connect new Queenslanders to vital settlement services
This builds on the Miles Labor Government’s record of delivering for multicultural and vulnerable communities
The Miles Labor Government has committed $52.8 million to strengthen social cohesion in Queensland, to ensure communities in our great state continue to be a united, harmonious and inclusive.
Deputy Premier Cameron Dick made the commitment during his address to the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia conference, in Brisbane.
Queensland is a diverse state and we come from many different backgrounds; our multiculturalism is one of our greatest strengths and the Miles Labor Government is committed to doing what matters for every person living in Queensland.
Around 40 per cent of Queenslanders were either born overseas or have one or both parents born overseas and nearly 15% per cent of Queenslanders speak a language other than English at home.
With great diversity comes a need to foster genuine, authentic inclusion because we want all Queenslanders to contribute, belong and thrive.
The new initiatives under the Miles Labor Government’s $53 million commitment include:
- $30 million to support a stronger multicultural Queensland through a new Inclusive Communities Infrastructure Fund.
- $785,000 over four years to support community hubs in 24 locations across Queensland across Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Townsville.
- $630,000 over four years to continue the Welcoming Australia programs, which works with local governments to create inclusive and connected local communities.
- $500,000 over four years for Multicultural Australia to deliver the Luminous Festival and Lantern Parade at South Bank in Brisbane and in regional centres.
- $17.5 million over 4 years to establish a specialist community response unit within Multicultural Affairs Queensland.
The newly established Inclusive Communities Infrastructure Fund will support multicultural organisations to hold local events, celebrate festivals, build and deliver support programs, improve amenities and build facilities, including:
- community centres
- cultural and heritage centres, museums and libraries spaces
- indoor and outdoor amenities, like food preparation areas, dining spaces, bathrooms, play equipment and barbecue facilities
- meeting and conference facilities
- stages, auditoriums and spaces to encourage performing arts
- spaces for local sporting and physical activities
- security infrastructure upgrades to existing multicultural organisations facilities.
The Miles Labor Government has already committed an extra $1.5 million over four years towards the Ethnic Communities Council Queensland (ECCQ) and an additional $1.7 million for the Workers’ Rights Education and Support Services program, providing assistance to vulnerable migrant workers.
Additionally, $200,000 is committed to find and construct two ceremonial sites that are near a waterway that can be used for significant spiritual and cultural activities, including ceremonies associated with funeral rituals.
Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
“Since the day I was sworn into Parliament, I have made it my absolute priority to ensure every Queenslander feels safe, valued and like I have their back.
“This commitment signals to our vast multicultural communities that my government will always invest in you and your future.
“Whether it be providing an inclusive multicultural centre or support services, new facilities for communities to gather or making sure we can continue celebrating the cultures that make Queensland great.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Cameron Dick:
“The Miles Labor Government is proud of the fact that Queensland is a unified, harmonious and multicultural community.
“I am proud to be part of a government that’s committed to promoting an inclusive, harmonious and untied Queensland – a place where everyone feels welcomed and respected.
“I know that being the Member for Woodridge informs my decision making every single day.
“This election, there is an important choice. A choice between a Queensland under the LNP who cut the Multicultural Affairs Queensland budget by more than 40 per cent or a Labor Government who has more than $133 million for multicultural initiatives since 2015.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Charis Mullen:
“I am so proud to be the Labor Minister for Multicultural Affairs doing what matters for multicultural communities in Queensland.
“Under a re-elected Miles Labor Government, the voices of multicultural communities and the sector will continue to be strengthened and celebrated across our great state under a $53 million package.
"More than 40 per cent of Queenslanders were either born overseas or have one or both parents born overseas. With this great diversity comes a need to foster genuine, authentic inclusion and this $53 million package ensure all Queenslanders can continue to contribute, belong and thrive.”
ENDS