1. Diversity and Social Cohesion Program
1.1 Guideline Objectives
These Guidelines detail the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program objectives, criteria and project management requirements applicable to Emerging Issues Funding and the process for developing funding proposals.
1.2 Diversity and Social Cohesion Program
The Diversity and Social Cohesion Program (incorporating the former Diverse Australia Program and the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security community grants) provides the additional resources often needed to develop community projects and find ways of helping communities build stronger relations. Projects aim to address cultural, racial and religious intolerance by promoting respect, fairness and a sense of belonging for everyone. Some projects will also build the resilience of specific communities that are under pressure as a result of their culture or religion.
The Government believes that strong social cohesion is best developed by projects that bring all Australians together and in particular create connections across the community.
The Diversity and Social Cohesion Program consists of:
- Community Grants annual funding round
- Emerging Issues Funding
- a community engagement strategy for the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme
- a public information strategy, which includes the national celebration of Harmony Day on 21 March.
More information on the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program is available on the Harmony website.
See: Harmony
1.3 Diversity and Social Cohesion Program Objectives
The central strategy of the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program is to respond to issues of racism and intolerance and promote opportunities for people to participate in Australian life.
The Diversity and Social Cohesion Program's key objectives are to combine public awareness with practical activities to promote:
- the importance of all Australians respecting one another regardless of cultural, racial or religious difference
- the fair treatment of all Australians, encouraging people to recognise that our interactions should be accepting of and responsive to people’s backgrounds, circumstances, needs and preferences
- opportunities for people to participate 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 peaceful, progressive and prosperous future
- increased community understanding and acceptance of diversity, and
- increased understanding across the broader community of Australia’s changing demographics.
1.4 Emerging Issues Funding
The Diversity and Social Cohesion Program in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is responsible for Emerging Issues Funding.
Emerging Issues Funding addresses significant community relations issues by funding regional and national projects involving community based activities. These activities positively influence attitudes towards racial, cultural and religious difference and strengthen social cohesion, community harmony and cross cultural understanding.
Emerging Issues Funding offers flexibility in promoting social cohesion through projects that:
- help people take advantage of the opportunities offered by living in Australia – particularly in the areas of education, employment and social engagement – so they develop a sense of belonging and commitment to the nation's future
- address barriers to social inclusion experienced by sectors of the community often difficult to reach
- facilitate interaction and engagement across the broad Australian community with a focus on those locations confronting significant demographic change.
The Department monitors community relations through several mechanisms, including its Australia wide network of Community Liaison Officers, research, media reports and the Community Grants annual funding round. Research is also used to identify priority geographic locations in which community harmony issues are prevalent, and to monitor the social impact of projects funded under the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program.
Some $1.2 million is allocated annually for Emerging Issues Funding.
Amounts of up to $200 000 are provided for individual projects which are normally completed within two years.
1.5 Emerging Issues Funding Priorities
The people and groups considered a priority in 2009-10 include:
- young people (10 to 25 years), including Indigenous youth, Muslim youth and international students
- new and emerging communities, including the Sudanese, Somali, Karen, Chaldean, Assyrian, Afghani and Iranian communities
- vulnerable and isolated individuals and groups, particularly those from migrant groups at risk of being marginalised and disengaged through lack of access to education and employment pathways, and
- the broad Australian community.
The project priorities for 2009-10 include:
- activities to reduce isolation and marginalisation, including pathways that lead to school retention and employment
- mainstream cultural, sporting and artistic activities targeting young people
- projects that support and encourage interaction in areas confronting demographic change and composition due to population increase and settlement
- projects that promote acceptance of diversity and opportunities for interaction across the Australian community Organisations considering project proposals that impact on a priority group, but are outside the current project priorities, should contact the Diverse Australia Program to discuss their proposal.
1.6 Overview of the Emerging Issues Funding Process
Generally, a five tiered approach is taken to funding Emerging Issues projects:
- an emerging issue, or the potential for an emerging issue is identified (see 3.1 for how projects can be initiated)
See: Section 3.1 - the applicant provides an initial Expression of Interest outlining the issue and their proposed response
- if the Expression of Interest addresses a significant emerging issue in a priority location and is consistent with these guidelines, the Department assists the applicant in the development of a more detailed project proposal. During this stage the Department may assist in identifying possible stakeholders or partners such as government agencies, community organisations and service providers
- a formal assessment of the project proposal is conducted, and
- the Department makes a recommendation to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services on the project proposal and its funding.
The Department acknowledges receipt of an initial Expression of Interest within five working days. The applicant will be given regular updates on the status of their Expression of Interest.