What is an EAPS?

An Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (or EAPS as it is commonly known) is a planning document, which shows how an individual government agency will address the needs of a culturally diverse society, according to its charter.

The White Paper Cultural Harmony The Next Decade 2002 - 2012 contains a definition of EAPS on page 66, viz:

"EAPS is a measure of agency performance where the needs of culturally diverse clients are fully integrated into core business, which in turn results in quality service delivery within the framework of the principles of multiculturalism and social justice obligations."

For example, an EAPS usually shows how the agency will:

• deliver services, which are appropriate to a culturally diverse client group, as part of their core business;
• put in place flexible and inclusive consultation processes that are integrated into agency planning;
• provide training for staff on cultural diversity issues;
• provide language services and information in ways that will reach all clients.

The EAPS program was launched in 1983, and has had a long and proud history in the State. Many of the achievements of the EAPS program are now part of core government services.

The CRC monitors and assesses the performance of government agencies under the EAPS program. However, in accordance with amendments to the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000, the Commission is also challenging agencies to do more, and to develop EAPS ‘good practice’, as appropriate to each of their agencies.

Click here to view the milestones of EAPS.