Legislation
This section contains information on the two key pieces of legislation that relate to the multicultural community. It also covers government reporting requirements relating to the Multicultural Act 2004.
Multicultural Victoria Act 2004
The Multicultural Victoria Act 2004 came into effect on 1 January 2005. The Act consolidates and expands on existing policy and legislative frameworks by enshrining some important principles of multiculturalism, strengthening the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and creating multicultural reporting requirements for government departments. Read about the Multicultural Victoria Act 2004.
Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001
The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 was passed by the Victorian Parliament on 14 June 2001 and came into effect on 1 January 2002. In June 2006, the Act was amended following consultation with the multifaith community. Read about the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001.
Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities (the Charter) Act 2006 was passed in July 2006 and became fully operational on 1 January 2008. The Charter enshrines civil and political rights, and some cultural rights into Victorian law. Victoria is the first Australian state to enact formal protection of human rights by introducing a Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. The charter will ensure human rights are valued and protected within government and the community. Read about the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
Reporting requirements
The Multicultural Victoria Act 2004 requires all Victorian Government departments to report annually on their achievements and initiatives in multicultural affairs, including their use of language services, multicultural communications and multicultural representation on government boards and committees. Read about the multicultural reporting requirements for Victorian Government departments
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