Multicultural and Multifaith Action Plan 2023-2027

The Department of Justice and Community Safety has developed a Multicultural and Multifaith Action Plan 2023-2027.

This Plan outlines the actions we will take to improve outcomes for all members of Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities, whether they be in our workforce or whether they interact with our justice and community safety system.

We developed it in partnership with staff from multicultural and multifaith communities across the department and multicultural community members.

Actions

The Plan has 6 focus areas:

Focus area 1: Improving data on our clients and workforce

We want to improve how we collect data. We will use the data to create better policies, programs, services and workforce strategies.

Focus area 2: Building capability and capacity

We want to raise the capability and competency of the department’s workforce to provide an equitable and inclusive and safe workplace for people from multicultural and multifaith communities whilst also ensuring that program design and service delivery are culturally responsive for clients.

Focus area 3: Equitable pathways to career development and leadership

We want more people from multicultural and multifaith communities in all roles, particularly in leadership roles. People from multicultural and multifaith communities should have better opportunities for career development, equal pay, leave and flexible work.

Focus area 4: Creating a safer, empowering and inclusive culture

We want to create environments where staff feel safe, respected, supported and valued and can bring their whole selves to the workplace.

Focus area 5: Partnering with communities to build better policies, programs and services

We want to ensure that we consult and collaborate with communities in an appropriate way when we design policies, programs and services so that they deliver the intended outcomes for clients.

Focus area 6: Cultural responsiveness is built into all policies, programs and services

We want to ensure that the department’s systems, programs and services are culturally responsive to the needs of multicultural and multifaith communities so that they deliver the intended outcomes for clients.

Monitoring progress

We will monitor our progress by:

• governance structures to oversee implementation of the Plan and establish accountability at senior levels in the department.
• public reports through the annual Victorian Government Report in Multicultural Affairs.