{"id":"nsw:act-2000-077","name":"Multicultural NSW Act 2000","slug":"multicultural-nsw-act-2000","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"nsw","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"77 of 2000","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":105170,"registerId":"nsw-act-2000-077-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1 Preliminary\n\nPart 1 Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name of Act","content":"#### 1 Name of Act\n\n1 Name of Act\n\n> This Act is the [Multicultural NSW Act 2000](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2000-077).\n> \n> **s 1:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[4\\].","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"#### 2 Commencement\n\n2 Commencement\n\n> This Act commences on a day or days to be appointed by proclamation.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Multicultural principles","content":"#### 3 Multicultural principles\n\n3 Multicultural principles\n\n> > (1) The multicultural principles are as follows—\n> > \n> > > (a) all individuals in New South Wales, irrespective of their linguistic, religious and ancestral backgrounds, should demonstrate a unified commitment to Australia, its interests and future,\n> > \n> > > (b) all individuals in New South Wales should recognise the importance of shared values governed by the rule of law within a democratic framework,\n> > \n> > > (c) the people of New South Wales are of different linguistic, religious and ancestral backgrounds who, either individually or in community with other members of their respective groups, are free to profess, practise and maintain their own linguistic, religious and ancestral heritage,\n> > \n> > > (d) all individuals and institutions should respect and make provision for the culture, language and religion of others within an Australian legal and institutional framework where English is the common language,\n> > \n> > > (e) all individuals in New South Wales should have the greatest possible opportunity to—\n> > > \n> > > > (i) contribute to, and participate in, all aspects of public life in which they may legally participate, and\n> > > \n> > > > (ii) make use of, and participate in, relevant activities and programs provided or administered by the Government of New South Wales,\n> > \n> > > (f) all institutions of New South Wales should recognise the linguistic and cultural assets in the population of New South Wales as a valuable resource and promote this resource to maximise the development of the State.\n> \n> > (2) Parliament recognises that the multicultural principles are based on citizenship. The expression citizenship is not limited to formal Australian citizenship, but refers to the rights and responsibilities of all people in a multicultural society.\n> \n> > (2A) In this Act, a commitment to Australia includes a commitment to the common values and things that bind Australians together (such as a volunteering ethos, participation in Australian national days and events and recognition of the heritage of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).\n> \n> > (3) The multicultural principles are the policy of the State.\n> \n> > (4) Accordingly, each public authority must observe the multicultural principles in conducting its affairs.\n> \n> > (5) It is the duty of the chief executive officer of each public authority to implement the provisions of this section within the area of his or her administration.\n> \n> **s 3:** Am 2010 No 62, Sch 1 \\[1\\]; 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[5\\]–\\[7\\].","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions","content":"#### 4 Definitions\n\n4 Definitions\n\n> In this Act—\n> \n> Advisory Board means the Advisory Board of Multicultural NSW established under this Act.\n> \n> Chairperson means the person appointed under this Act as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board.\n> \n> Chief Executive Officer means the Chief Executive Officer of Multicultural NSW.\n> \n> citizenship—see section 3 (2).\n> \n> commitment to Australia—see section 3 (2A).\n> \n> cultural diversity means the different linguistic, religious and ancestral backgrounds of the people of New South Wales.\n> \n> exercise a function includes perform a duty.\n> \n> function includes a power, authority or duty.\n> \n> Multicultural NSW means Multicultural NSW constituted by this Act.\n> \n> multicultural principles—see section 3.\n> \n> public authority means any public or local authority constituted by or under an Act, and includes a Government department, a statutory State owned corporation, a local council, a body whose accounts are required to be audited by the Auditor General or any other body prescribed by the regulations.\n> \n> **s 4:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[8\\]–\\[10\\].","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Notes","content":"#### 5 Notes\n\n5 Notes\n\n> Notes included in this Act do not form part of this Act.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Constitution of Multicultural NSW and Advisory Board","content":"# Part 2 Constitution of Multicultural NSW and Advisory Board\n\nPart 2 Constitution of Multicultural NSW and Advisory Board\n\n**pt 2, hdg:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[11\\].","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Constitution of Multicultural NSW","content":"#### 6 Constitution of Multicultural NSW\n\n6 Constitution of Multicultural NSW\n\n> > (1) There is constituted by this Act a corporation with the corporate name of Multicultural NSW.\n> \n> > (2) Multicultural NSW is, for the purposes of any Act, a statutory body representing the Crown.\n> \n> > (3) Multicultural NSW is subject to the control and direction of the Minister, except in relation to the contents of any advice, report or recommendation given to the Minister or any other person or body.\n> \n> > (4) The functions of Multicultural NSW are exercisable by the Chief Executive Officer, and any act, matter or thing done in the name of, or on behalf of, Multicultural NSW by the Chief Executive Officer, or with the authority of the Chief Executive Officer, is taken to have been done by Multicultural NSW.\n> \n> **s 6:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[12\\]–\\[14\\].","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Chief Executive Officer","content":"#### 7 Chief Executive Officer\n\n7 Chief Executive Officer\n\n> The Chief Executive Officer of Multicultural NSW is the person employed in the Public Service as the Chief Executive Officer.\n> \n> **s 7:** Am 2003 No 50, Sch 1 \\[1\\] \\[2\\]; 2010 No 119, Sch 1.4 \\[1\\]. Subst 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[15\\].","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Constitution of Advisory Board","content":"#### 8 Constitution of Advisory Board\n\n8 Constitution of Advisory Board\n\n> > (1) There is to be an Advisory Board of Multicultural NSW.\n> \n> > (2) The Advisory Board is to consist of the Chief Executive Officer and not more than 15 part-time members appointed by the Governor, of whom—\n> > \n> > > (a) one is to be a person appointed as Chairperson of the Advisory Board by the member’s instrument of appointment or a further instrument signed by the Governor, and\n> > \n> > > (b) 2 are to be persons who are not less than 18 years old and not more than 24 years old when appointed and who are appointed as representatives of youth from New South Wales.\n> > \n> > Note—\n> > \n> > Schedule 1 sets out further provisions relating to the members of the Advisory Board and Schedule 2 contains provisions about the procedure of the Advisory Board.\n> \n> > (3) In recommending the appointment of a person as a member of the Advisory Board, the Minister is to have regard to the desirability of having members who are of diverse backgrounds, of different occupational backgrounds and who ordinarily reside in different parts of the State.\n> \n> **s 8:** Am 2003 No 50, Sch 2 \\[1\\]. Subst 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[15\\].","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"#### 9\n\n9 (Repealed)","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regional advisory councils","content":"#### 10 Regional advisory councils\n\n10 Regional advisory councils\n\n> > (1) Multicultural NSW is to establish regional advisory councils for regional areas of the State.\n> \n> > (2) The function of a regional advisory council is to advise Multicultural NSW on any matter relating to the functions of Multicultural NSW that the council considers appropriate or that Multicultural NSW refers to the council for advice.\n> \n> > (3) A regional advisory council is to comprise representatives of relevant local or regional agencies, community organisations or individuals and a member of the Advisory Board (who is to be the chairperson of the council). The composition of a regional advisory council is to reflect the diversity of the local community concerned.\n> \n> > (4) The procedure for the calling of meetings of a regional advisory council and for the conduct of business at those meetings is to be as determined by Multicultural NSW or (subject to any determination of Multicultural NSW) by the council.\n> \n> **s 10:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[16\\]–\\[19\\].","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Other committees","content":"#### 11 Other committees\n\n11 Other committees\n\n> > (1) Multicultural NSW may establish standing committees to assist it in connection with the exercise of any of its functions or special committees to consider and report on particular issues.\n> \n> > (2) The procedure for the calling of meetings of a committee established under this section and for the conduct of business at those meetings is to be determined by Multicultural NSW or (subject to any determination by Multicultural NSW) by the committee.\n> \n> **s 11:** Subst 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[20\\].","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Objectives and functions of Multicultural NSW and the Advisory Board","content":"# Part 3 Objectives and functions of Multicultural NSW and the Advisory Board\n\nPart 3 Objectives and functions of Multicultural NSW and the Advisory Board\n\n**pt 3, hdg:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[21\\].","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"Objectives of Multicultural NSW","content":"#### 12 Objectives of Multicultural NSW\n\n12 Objectives of Multicultural NSW\n\n> The objectives of Multicultural NSW are as follows—\n> \n> > (a) to promote the equal rights and responsibilities of citizenship,\n> \n> > (b) to promote the unity, and strong commitment to Australia, of all people in a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society,\n> \n> > (c) to promote the participation of the people of New South Wales in community life and the public decision-making process so that they can exercise their rights and fulfil their obligations,\n> \n> > (d) to promote access to government and community services that is equitable and that has regard to the linguistic, religious and ancestral diversity of the people of New South Wales,\n> \n> > (e) to promote a cohesive and harmonious multicultural society with mutual respect for and understanding of cultural diversity, including by combating racism,\n> \n> > (f) to promote the enrichment of all sections of society through the benefits of cultural diversity,\n> \n> > (g) to promote the multicultural principles and the advantages of a multicultural society,\n> \n> > (h) to promote social justice, community development and community initiatives for all the diverse communities in New South Wales.\n> \n> **s 12:** Subst 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[22\\].","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Functions of Multicultural NSW","content":"#### 13 Functions of Multicultural NSW\n\n13 Functions of Multicultural NSW\n\n> > (1) The functions of Multicultural NSW are as follows—\n> > \n> > > (a) to undertake systematic and wide-ranging consultation with people and groups with respect to its objectives and to arrange and participate in forums to promote its objectives,\n> > \n> > > (b) to advise and make recommendations to the Minister to promote any of its objectives,\n> > \n> > > (c) to research or investigate and report to the Minister on any matter relating to its objectives that Multicultural NSW considers appropriate or that the Minister refers to Multicultural NSW for research or investigation and report,\n> > \n> > > (d) to facilitate co-operative arrangements involving governmental, business, educational and community groups or bodies to promote its objectives,\n> > \n> > > (e) to enter into agreements with public authorities in connection with their functions to promote the objectives of Multicultural NSW (including, but not limited to, the objective relating to access to government services),\n> > \n> > > (f) to provide a single coordination point for integrated responses to issues associated with cultural diversity and to assist in resolving issues associated with cultural diversity,\n> > \n> > > (g) to assist and develop programs for, and assess the effectiveness of, public authorities in observing the multicultural principles in the conduct of their affairs, particularly in connection with the delivery of government services, so as to facilitate consistency across authorities on issues associated with cultural diversity,\n> > > \n> > > Note—\n> > > \n> > > For example, under the Multicultural Policies and Services Program of Multicultural NSW, government agencies are required to implement a multicultural plan.\n> > \n> > > (h) to provide (whether within or outside New South Wales) interpreter, translation or other services approved by the Minister,\n> > \n> > > (i) to advise the Minister on the most effective use of funds appropriated by Parliament for programs related to its objectives (including funds for the provision of resources to community groups that promote the objectives of Multicultural NSW),\n> > \n> > > (j) to support community initiatives that promote the objectives of Multicultural NSW (including initiatives that support women and girls and other groups of diverse backgrounds) and to promote community engagement for the purposes of promoting those objectives,\n> > \n> > > (k) to encourage eligible people to become Australian citizens,\n> > \n> > > (l) to advise and make recommendations to the Anti-Discrimination Board on matters relating to discrimination and racial vilification and to refer matters relating to discrimination and racial vilification to the Anti-Discrimination Board,\n> > \n> > > (m) any other functions that are conferred or imposed on it by or under this or any other Act.\n> \n> > (2) Persons may be employed in the Public Service under the [Government Sector Employment Act 2013](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2013-040) to enable Multicultural NSW to exercise its functions.\n> > \n> > Note—\n> > \n> > Section 59 of the [Government Sector Employment Act 2013](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2013-040) provides that the persons so employed (or whose services Multicultural NSW makes use of) may be referred to as officers or employees, or members of staff, of Multicultural NSW. Section 47A of the [Constitution Act 1902](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1902-032) precludes Multicultural NSW from employing staff.\n> \n> **s 13:** Am 2003 No 50, Sch 1 \\[3\\]; 2006 No 2, Sch 4.12 \\[2\\]; 2010 No 62, Sch 1 \\[2\\]–\\[5\\]. Subst 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[22\\].","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"13A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Functions of Advisory Board","content":"#### 13A Functions of Advisory Board\n\n13A Functions of Advisory Board\n\n> The functions of the Advisory Board are as follows—\n> \n> > (a) to advise Multicultural NSW or the Minister on any issue relating to the objectives or strategic directions of Multicultural NSW it considers appropriate or that is referred to it by Multicultural NSW or the Minister,\n> \n> > (b) to review and provide advice to Multicultural NSW on the annual report by Multicultural NSW on the state of community relations in New South Wales.\n> \n> **s 13A:** Ins 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[22\\].","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Reporting on the state of community relations","content":"#### 14 Reporting on the state of community relations\n\n14 Reporting on the state of community relations\n\n> > (1) Multicultural NSW is to prepare a report, for each financial year, on the state of community relations in New South Wales as affected by cultural diversity, including an assessment of the effectiveness of public authorities in observing the multicultural principles in the conduct of their affairs.\n> \n> > (2) The report may include recommendations of Multicultural NSW in relation to any relevant matters.\n> \n> > (3) A report in relation to a financial year of Multicultural NSW is to be furnished to the Minister before the end of February in the year following the year to which the report relates.\n> \n> > (4) The Minister is to lay, or cause to be laid, a copy of the report before each House of Parliament within 14 sitting days of the House after receiving the report.\n> \n> > (5) If a House of Parliament is not sitting when the Minister seeks to have a copy of the report laid before the House, the Minister may present a copy of the report to the Clerk of that House.\n> \n> > (6) The report, if presented to the Clerk—\n> > \n> > > (a) is, on presentation, and for all purposes, taken to have been laid before the House, and\n> > \n> > > (b) may be printed by the authority of the Clerk, and\n> > \n> > > (c) if printed by authority of the Clerk, is for all purposes taken to be a document published by or under the authority of the House, and\n> > \n> > > (d) is to be recorded in the Minutes, or Votes and Proceedings, of the House on the first sitting day of the House after presentation of the report to the Clerk.\n> \n> **s 14:** Am 2010 No 62, Sch 1 \\[6\\]; 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[23\\]–\\[26\\].","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Public authorities to assist Multicultural NSW","content":"#### 15 Public authorities to assist Multicultural NSW\n\n15 Public authorities to assist Multicultural NSW\n\n> > (1) This section applies to any investigation conducted by Multicultural NSW under this Act that affects the functions of a public authority.\n> \n> > (2) The public authority is to give Multicultural NSW all such assistance and make available all such information with respect to any such function as Multicultural NSW may require for the purposes of that investigation.\n> \n> > (3) Public authorities may, at the request of Multicultural NSW, provide officers of the public authority to be members or to advise members of committees of Multicultural NSW established to advise and report on any issue for the purposes of that investigation.\n> \n> **s 15:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[27\\].","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Delegation of functions of Multicultural NSW","content":"#### 16 Delegation of functions of Multicultural NSW\n\n16 Delegation of functions of Multicultural NSW\n\n> > (1) Multicultural NSW may delegate to an authorised person any of its functions, other than this power of delegation.\n> \n> > (2) A delegate may sub-delegate to an authorised person any function delegated by Multicultural NSW if the delegate is authorised in writing to do so by Multicultural NSW.\n> \n> > (3) In this section, authorised person means—\n> > \n> > > (a) a member of the staff of Multicultural NSW, or\n> > \n> > > (b) a person or a person of a class approved by the Minister or prescribed by the regulations.\n> \n> **s 16:** Subst 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[28\\].","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"# Part 4 Miscellaneous\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Act to bind Crown","content":"#### 17 Act to bind Crown\n\n17 Act to bind Crown\n\n> This Act binds the Crown in right of New South Wales and, in so far as the legislative power of the Parliament of New South Wales permits, the Crown in all its other capacities.","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Financial year","content":"#### 18 Financial year\n\n18 Financial year\n\n> > (1) The financial year of Multicultural NSW is the year commencing on 1 July.\n> \n> > (2) However, the financial year of Multicultural NSW is to be the annual reporting period (if any) for Multicultural NSW if the Treasurer has made a determination under section 2.10 of the [Government Sector Finance Act 2018](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2018-055) for that period to be different from the period referred to in subsection (1).\n> \n> Note—\n> \n> The [Government Sector Audit Act 1983](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1983-152) and [Government Sector Finance Act 2018](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2018-055) make provision for the keeping and audit of the accounts of Multicultural NSW and for the preparation and tabling in Parliament of the annual reporting information for Multicultural NSW.\n> \n> **s 18:** Am 2010 No 62, Sch 1 \\[7\\]; 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[29\\]; 2018 No 70, Sch 4.69\\[1\\] \\[2\\].","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Recovery of money by Multicultural NSW","content":"#### 19 Recovery of money by Multicultural NSW\n\n19 Recovery of money by Multicultural NSW\n\n> Any charge, fee or money due to Multicultural NSW, or to the Crown in respect of any of the activities of Multicultural NSW, may be recovered by Multicultural NSW as a debt, if no express provision is otherwise made for its recovery.\n> \n> **s 19:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[30\\].","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"20","sectionType":"section","heading":"Service of documents on Multicultural NSW","content":"#### 20 Service of documents on Multicultural NSW\n\n20 Service of documents on Multicultural NSW\n\n> > (1) A document may be served on Multicultural NSW by leaving it at, or by sending it by post addressed to, the office of Multicultural NSW or, if it has more than one office, any of its offices.\n> \n> > (2) Nothing in this section affects the operation of any provision of a law or of the rules of a court authorising a document to be served on Multicultural NSW in any other manner.\n> \n> **s 20:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[31\\] \\[32\\].","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"21","sectionType":"section","heading":"Personal liability","content":"#### 21 Personal liability\n\n21 Personal liability\n\n> A matter or thing done or omitted to be done by—\n> \n> > (a) Multicultural NSW, or\n> \n> > (b) the Advisory Board or a member of the Advisory Board, or\n> \n> > (c) the Chief Executive Officer, or\n> \n> > (d) a person acting under the direction of Multicultural NSW, the Advisory Board, a member of the Advisory Board or the Chief Executive Officer,\n> \n> does not, if the matter or thing was done or omitted to be done in good faith for the purposes of executing this Act, subject a member of the Advisory Board, the Chief Executive Officer or a person so acting personally to any action, liability, claim or demand.\n> \n> **s 21:** Subst 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[33\\].","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"22","sectionType":"section","heading":"Legal consequences of multicultural principles","content":"#### 22 Legal consequences of multicultural principles\n\n22 Legal consequences of multicultural principles\n\n> Nothing in section 3 gives rise to, or can be taken into account in, any civil cause of action.\n> \n> **s 22:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[34\\].","sortOrder":27},{"sectionNumber":"23","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regulations","content":"#### 23 Regulations\n\n23 Regulations\n\n> The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to any matter that by this Act is required or permitted to be prescribed or that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act.","sortOrder":28},{"sectionNumber":"24","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"#### 24\n\n24 (Repealed)","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"25","sectionType":"section","heading":"Repeals","content":"#### 25 Repeals\n\n25 Repeals\n\n> > (1) The [Ethnic Affairs Commission Act 1979](/view/pdf/asmade/act-1979-23) is repealed.\n> \n> > (2) The [Ethnic Affairs Commission Regulation 1997](/view/pdf/asmade/sl-1997-39) is repealed.","sortOrder":31},{"sectionNumber":"26","sectionType":"section","heading":"Savings, transitional and other provisions","content":"#### 26 Savings, transitional and other provisions\n\n26 Savings, transitional and other provisions\n\n> Schedule 4 has effect.","sortOrder":32},{"sectionNumber":"27","sectionType":"section","heading":"Review of Act","content":"#### 27 Review of Act\n\n27 Review of Act\n\n> > (1) The Minister is to review this Act to determine whether the policy objectives of the Act remain valid and whether the terms of the Act remain appropriate for securing those objectives.\n> \n> > (2) The review is to be undertaken as soon as possible after the period of 5 years from the date of assent to this Act.\n> \n> > (3) A report on the outcome of the review is to be tabled in each House of Parliament within 12 months after the end of the period of 5 years.","sortOrder":33},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 1","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Provisions relating to members of the Advisory Board","content":"# Schedule 1 Provisions relating to members of the Advisory Board\n\nSchedule 1 Provisions relating to members of the Advisory Board\n\n**sch 1, hdg:** Am 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[35\\].\n\n**sch 1:** Am 2003 No 50, Sch 2 \\[2\\] \\[3\\]; 2009 No 96, Sch 4 \\[1\\]–\\[3\\]; 2010 No 62, Sch 1 \\[8\\]–\\[10\\]; 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[36\\]–\\[46\\].","sortOrder":34},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 2","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Provisions relating to procedure of Advisory Board","content":"# Schedule 2 Provisions relating to procedure of Advisory Board\n\nSchedule 2 Provisions relating to procedure of Advisory Board\n\n**sch 2:** Am 2009 No 96, Sch 4 \\[4\\]; 2010 No 62, Sch 1 \\[11\\]; 2010 No 119, Sch 1.4 \\[2\\]; 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[47\\]–\\[55\\].","sortOrder":46},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 3","sectionType":"schedule","heading":null,"content":"# Schedule 3\n\nSchedule 3 (Repealed)\n\n**sch 3:** Rep 2003 No 82, Sch 3.","sortOrder":55},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 4","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Savings, transitional and other provisions","content":"# Schedule 4 Savings, transitional and other provisions\n\nSchedule 4 Savings, transitional and other provisions\n\n(Section 26)\n\n**sch 4:** Am 2003 No 50, Sch 1 \\[4\\]; 2014 No 64, Sch 1 \\[56\\] \\[57\\].","sortOrder":56}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The legislation has evolved significantly from its original 2000 form. Originally establishing the 'Community Relations Commission' as a continuation of the Ethnic Affairs Commission, the 2014 amendments fundamentally restructured the body into 'Multicultural NSW' with a separate Advisory Board and Chief Executive Officer model. The objectives have expanded from basic community relations to include specific mention of women and girls, combating racism, and strategic coordination across government. The 2014 changes also added the explicit clarification that multicultural principles are 'based on citizenship' with an expanded definition including volunteering ethos and recognition of Indigenous heritage (section 3(2A)), broadening the philosophical scope beyond the original ethnic affairs focus."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple amending Acts referenced throughout (2003, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018) creating a patchwork appearance","Two schedules of procedural rules for the Advisory Board (Schedules 1 and 2) with detailed governance provisions","Transitional provisions in Schedule 4 tracking organisational changes from Ethnic Affairs Commission → Community Relations Commission → Multicultural NSW","Cross-references to other Acts including Government Sector Employment Act 2013, Government Sector Finance Act 2018, Constitution Act 1902, and Anti-Discrimination Act","Defined terms section with 11 definitions, some circular (e.g., 'citizenship—see section 3(2)')","Nested subsections in section 3 (multicultural principles) running to 5 levels deep (section 3(1)(e)(i))","Conditional logic in section 18 regarding financial years with Treasurer override provisions","Personal liability protection clause (section 21) with four categories of protected persons"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does:**\n\nThis Act creates **Multicultural NSW** — a government body that promotes social cohesion and supports cultural diversity across New South Wales. It replaced the earlier Ethnic Affairs Commission (and later the Community Relations Commission) with a modernised structure.\n\n**Key things the law establishes:**\n\n- **Multicultural principles** — six core values that all NSW government agencies must follow. These include: respecting everyone's right to maintain their cultural heritage; recognising that English is the common language; ensuring equal access to government services regardless of background; and treating cultural diversity as an asset for the state.\n\n- **Multicultural NSW** — a statutory body (a government organisation created by law) that reports to a Minister but has independence when giving advice. It is run by a Chief Executive Officer.\n\n- **Advisory Board** — a group of up to 15 part-time members (including two young people aged 18–24) who advise Multicultural NSW and the Minister on strategy and community relations.\n\n- **Regional advisory councils** — local committees that feed community concerns back to Multicultural NSW.\n\n**What Multicultural NSW actually does:**\n\n- Advises the government on multicultural policy\n- Researches community relations and reports annually to Parliament on how well government agencies are following the multicultural principles\n- Coordinates interpreter and translation services\n- Helps government departments improve access for people from diverse backgrounds\n- Refers discrimination and racial vilification matters to the Anti-Discrimination Board\n- Supports community programs and encourages citizenship\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Everyone in NSW** — the principles apply broadly to create expectations about how people treat each other\n- **Public authorities** — all government departments, local councils, and state-owned corporations must observe the multicultural principles in their work\n- **Culturally diverse communities** — the Act specifically aims to improve their access to services and participation in public life\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nThis law puts multiculturalism into the NSW statute books with real accountability. Government agencies can't just ignore diversity — they must actively consider it. The annual reporting requirement means Parliament and the public can see whether agencies are actually delivering equitable services. However, the principles themselves are not legally enforceable by individuals — you can't sue someone for breaching them (section 22 makes this clear).\n\nThe Act has been amended several times, most significantly in 2014 when the organisation was renamed and restructured from the \"Community Relations Commission\" to \"Multicultural NSW\"."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act continues the predecessor body but reshapes governance and duties: it replaces earlier commissions with Multicultural NSW and an Advisory Board, centralises exercise of functions in the Chief Executive Officer (s6(1),(4); s7), and formalises a duty on all public authorities to observe the multicultural principles and to assist investigations (s3(3)–(5); s15). It also adds annual reporting obligations (s14) and delegation rules (s16). Continuity of legal entity and transitional arrangements are preserved (sch4 cl6; cl8)."},"complexity_factors":["Cross-references to other statutes and external instruments create interpretive dependencies and implementation linkages (e.g. Government Sector Employment Act 2013, Government Sector Finance Act 2018, Constitution Act 1902) (see s13 note; s18 note; sch1 cl11).","Centralisation of operational authority in the Chief Executive Officer concentrates decision-making and affects who legally exercises functions (s6(4); s7).","Obligation on public authorities to observe the multicultural principles creates a compliance duty across a wide set of bodies and requires implementation by chief executives (s3(3)–(5)).","Mandatory assistance and information duties placed on public authorities during Multicultural NSW investigations impose administrative burdens and potential inter-agency coordination costs (s15(1)–(3)).","Appointment, removal and remuneration of Advisory Board members are governed by Ministerial/Governor discretion and detailed membership rules, introducing discretionary governance levers (s8(2); sch1 cl2, cl3, cl7, cl8(1)–(2)).","Annual reporting and parliamentary laying obligations create strict timing and content responsibilities for Multicultural NSW (s14(1)–(4)).","Delegation and sub-delegation powers, including definition of authorised persons and potential regulation-prescribed classes, add layers of delegated authority and regulatory uncertainty (s16(1)–(3)).","Transparency and conflict-of-interest procedures (disclosure, minutes inspection) produce recordkeeping and public-inspection costs for the Advisory Board (sch1 cl9(1)–(4)).","Transitional and repeal provisions preserve continuity with predecessor bodies while changing institutional names and roles, requiring attention to legacy instruments and references (s25; sch4 cl3, cl6–cl9)."],"plain_english_summary":"Creates Multicultural NSW as a statutory body, sets its objectives and functions to promote participation and equitable access for people of diverse linguistic, religious and ancestral backgrounds, and establishes an Advisory Board and regional councils. The Act requires public authorities to observe stated multicultural principles, mandates annual reporting on community relations, and allocates appointment, delegation and operational powers to the Minister, Governor and the Chief Executive Officer. It affects public authorities, government decision-makers and communities that interact with government services by imposing administrative duties, reporting obligations and areas of executive discretion."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act was originally named the 'Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000', suggesting its original focus was on both a specific statutory body (the Community Relations Commission) and multicultural principles. The renaming to 'Multicultural NSW Act 2000' indicates a shift in scope — likely reflecting the replacement or restructuring of the Commission into 'Multicultural NSW', broadening the focus from a single commission to a wider institutional and policy framework for multiculturalism in the state."},"complexity_factors":["The provided text is primarily metadata and navigation content from the NSW legislation website — the actual substantive provisions of the Act are not included, limiting full analysis","The Act has been amended multiple times over two decades (9 versions), suggesting accumulated complexity in its provisions","The renaming of the Act (from Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000) hints at structural changes to the bodies and functions it establishes","Interaction with other legislation such as administrative arrangements orders adds a layer of cross-referencing","Policy-heavy legislation of this type can involve broad discretionary powers that are inherently less precise than technical regulatory laws"],"plain_english_summary":"The Multicultural NSW Act 2000 sets the legal framework for multicultural policy in New South Wales, establishing principles government agencies must follow and creating Multicultural NSW to promote cultural diversity and harmony. \n\nIt affects all NSW residents, public bodies, and services — aiming to ensure people from different cultural, linguistic or religious backgrounds can access government services fairly and without disadvantage."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/multicultural-nsw-act-2000","history":"/api/acts/multicultural-nsw-act-2000/history","analysis":"/api/acts/multicultural-nsw-act-2000/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/multicultural-nsw-act-2000/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/multicultural-nsw-act-2000/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/multicultural-nsw-act-2000/documents"}}