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The Diverse Australia Program

The Diverse Australia Program is an Australian Government initiative that evolved from the 'Living in Harmony' program which was established in 1998.

It is primarily a community-based educational initiative for all Australians and aims to address issues of cultural, racial and religious intolerance by promoting respect, fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging for everyone.

The Diverse Australia Program provides funding, education and information to help organisations create a spirit of inclusiveness and helps ensure all Australians are treated fairly regardless of their cultural background or circumstance.

Key objectives

The program is a major component of the Government's approach to cultural diversity. The key objectives are:

  • the importance of all Australians respecting one another regardless of cultural, racial or religious differences;
  • the fair treatment of all Australians, encouraging people to recognise that our interactions should be accepting of, and responsive to, each other’s backgrounds, circumstances, needs and preferences
  • opportunities for people to participate equitably in Australian society and to understand the rights and responsibilities that we share as part of that society
  • a sense of belonging for everyone by helping communities work towards a spirit of inclusiveness and a shared identity as Australians, and
  • the benefits of living in a culturally diverse society.

What we do

The Diverse Australia Program has three key elements: