Recent Developments

EAPS Review

The Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS) Program was reviewed in 2008, following 25 years as the principal system of multicultural governance in the New South Wales public sector.

The Review of EAPS Operation in New South Wales: 25 Years of EAPS can be obtained from the Commission.

EAPS, established in 1983 by the then Premier Wran, has evolved considerably over the past 25 years and enjoyed bi-partisan support since its foundation.  As a result, today New South Wales has the longest lasting and, arguably, the most sophisticated framework for multicultural governance in the world.

The EAPS Review concluded that the program has no parallel, even in states, provinces or countries with some comparable form of multicultural legislation.

At the same time, the Review recommended that the Program be enhanced  by simplifying reporting procedures and undertaking a number of initiatives to better reflect the current public sector operating environment. The Review made 14 recommendations relating to the Program's renewal.

Change of Program Name

The EAPS Operation Review found that the name EAPS no longer represented the intent of the program, and recommended change.

The majority of government agencies consulted found that the name Multicultural Policies and Services Program is much more reflective of what the Program is collectively trying to achieve.  The Program's new name has been officially adopted.

New Multicultural Planning Framework

The EAPS Review also recommended a revision of the former EAPS Standards Framework to develop a more simplified and up-to-date planning tool. Working closely with agencies, the Community Relations Commission has revised the Program's framework, which can be used by all government agencies, regardless of their size, to give structure to their planning and to work towards common outcomes.

The Multicultural Planning Framework can be accessed by clicking here.

Multicultural Practitioners Resource Manual

To further support the operational changes of the Program, the new Multicultural Planning Framework will be accompanied by a comprehensive resource manual for practitioners of multicultural policies and services in NSW government agencies. The Manual will guide agencies in the development and implementation of their multicultural policies and services, and will provide examples and advice on best practice.

Work has already commenced on the Manual which is due to be completed early in the second half of 2010. A complementary resource will be developed for Chief Executive Officers and Senior Managers.

Multicultural e-Advice NSW

To make MPSP communication and reporting more efficient, agencies will be able to upload their reports to the Commission online. The new Multicultural e-Advice facility will streamline administration and save on the inconvenience of postage. The Commission will also be able to provide updates, reminders and responses through this electronic portal which will also enable more sophisticated monitoring and trend identification.

By the beginning of October 2009, all NSW agencies should have obtained their password to communicate with the Commission via Multicultural e-Advice.

2009 Community Relations Report

This year's Community Relations Report will have the theme Embracing change on sound foundations. The 2009 report will showcase programs and services which demonstrate innovation and/or resilience in the context of ever changing social and public sector operating environments.

NSW government agencies and local councils have been invited to send examples of multicultural initiatives undertaken, or progressed, during the 2009 calendar year. Highlights should be received by no later than the end of October 2009, and can be submitted through the Multicultural e-Advice NSW portal.

Please contact the Commission's Government Relations Division should you require further information.