Western Australians are being invited to help shape a proposed Multicultural Act, with public consultation closing on Sunday 15 February 2026. The process follows the release of a discussion paper that sets out how multicultural principles could be written into law for the first time in the state.
Based on the 2021 Census, more than 32 per cent of Western Australians were born overseas, with residents speaking over 249 languages and following more than 130 religions. The paper argues that this level of diversity warrants formal recognition through legislation that would guide how government policies, services and decisions are designed and delivered.
The proposal comes as Western Australia approaches its bicentenary in 2029, a moment framed as an opportunity to reflect on how successive waves of migration have shaped the state’s social, cultural and economic life. A Multicultural Act, the paper suggests, could provide a consistent framework to support inclusion, fairness and participation across public institutions.
While Western Australia already has a Charter of Multiculturalism, an advisory council and a policy framework in place, these measures are not backed by legislation. The research underpinning the consultation notes that this leaves them vulnerable to shifts in government priorities, unlike legislated models in other states that provide continuity and parliamentary oversight.
Every large mainland state except Western Australia now has multicultural legislation in place. Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia all operate under Acts that set clear expectations for government agencies, require reporting, and embed advisory structures. The research finds that these laws have moved multicultural commitments from aspiration into obligation, strengthening accountability and transparency across government.
The scale of existing policy effort in Western Australia is already substantial. As of September 2025, 64 public sector agencies are implementing multicultural plans under the current framework. Together, they have committed to 4,830 specific actions across service delivery, participation and inclusion, with nearly half completed to date. The proposed Act would formalise this work rather than replace it.
THE SCALE OF EXISTING POLICY EFFORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA IS ALREADY SUBSTANTIAL. AS OF SEPTEMBER 2025, 64 PUBLIC SECTOR AGENCIES ARE IMPLEMENTING MULTICULTURAL PLANS UNDER THE CURRENT FRAMEWORK
The discussion paper also places strong emphasis on the distinct position of Aboriginal peoples as the First Peoples of Western Australia. It acknowledges that First Nations communities and people from migrant and refugee backgrounds have different histories and starting points, and that any legislative framework must recognise this difference while supporting equity across the broader population.
A key question for consultation is whether Western Australia’s existing multicultural advisory arrangements should be written into law. Research from other jurisdictions shows that legislated advisory bodies strengthen trust between government and culturally diverse communities, ensuring consultation is structured, ongoing and tied to decision-making rather than dependent on goodwill.
The potential role of local government is also raised. In states such as Victoria and New South Wales, multicultural legislation has drawn councils into formal reporting and planning processes, improving visibility of regional and rural needs and reducing a purely metropolitan focus. The research suggests similar outcomes could follow in Western Australia.
Beyond governance, the research links multicultural legislation with stronger responses to racism and social tension. Jurisdictions with Acts in place report clearer coordination between agencies during periods of community stress, supported by defined responsibilities and reporting pathways.
Public feedback on the proposed Act can be provided through an online survey or by written submission. Support is available for participants who require interpretation or translated materials. A summary of submissions is expected to be released in April 2026, followed by development of a regulatory proposal later in the year.
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