Western Australians are being invited to contribute to the development of a proposed WA Multicultural Act, with the State Government releasing an online discussion paper to guide public consultation.
The paper will help inform the Cook Government’s consideration of how a Multicultural Act could be structured to support multiculturalism in Western Australia and respond to the needs of communities across the State.
If introduced, the Act would enshrine in law the progress already made in promoting diversity and inclusion, strengthening community belonging, and recognising the contributions of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The Government says a legislated framework could also encourage greater investment in multicultural initiatives, improve the inclusivity and cultural competence of government services, and support education programs that build intercultural understanding.
The discussion paper outlines the rationale for the proposed Act and identifies several key focus areas, accompanied by guiding questions to prompt community feedback. Formal consultation will take place with government agencies, community organisations, not-for-profits and industry groups across Western Australia to ensure broad engagement.
The consultation period opened on Thursday, 20 November 2025 and will remain open until Sunday, 15 February 2026. A short online survey — translated into 22 languages including Vietnamese, Punjabi and Arabic — is also available, with interpreting and translating services offered on request.
The discussion paper and survey can be accessed via the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI) website.
Attorney General and Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti said the State Government had already made “significant contributions” to empowering culturally and linguistically diverse communities, citing initiatives such as the WA Multicultural Policy Framework, the Ministerial Multicultural Advisory Council and the Community Language Program.
“The development of a WA Multicultural Act is an extension of these efforts and would cement the continuation of this work in legislation,” he said.
“I’d encourage everyone to go to the OMI website and share your thoughts. Ideas and insights from across the community are invaluable in ensuring new legislation truly reflects the needs of our community.”
Law Society members can reach out with feedback to advocacy@lawsocietywa.asn.au by 6 February 2026.
