Multicultural policy within local government in Australia

This paper examines results from an Australia-wide survey of multicultural policies at the level of local government. Multicultural policies have the potential to advance a local 'politics of difference', recasting governance , such that citizenship is expanded. Multicultural policies are described i n terms of access and equity programmes, community relations policies and s ymbolic representations of cultural diversity and inclusive citizenship. Th e questionnaire survey of managers within local government revealed a broad array of good practices. However, there remained significant service gaps for residents of non-English-speaking backgrounds as well as a general relu ctance to tackle instances of serious intercommunal tension. There was also some hesitancy to embrace the notion of a diverse local citizenry.