Education and Training for Cultural Diversity

Regardless of occupation, all Australians and all Australian workers need diversity training, according to the new resource guide developed by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.

There is an increasing awareness that learning about diversity and developing the skills to deal with it is important for all Australians.

In fact, Australia is a nation of migrants. 43 per cent of the country's population was born overseas or had at least one parent born overseas. More than 200 languages are spoken; including African languages such as Dinka, Swahili, and Somali.

The positive effects of diversity are not difficult to find. Australia’s cultural diversity provides businesses with:

• Language skills to provide enhanced services to customers

• Knowledge of consumer tastes and markets. 80 per cent of the top Australian export markets are in non-English speaking countries.

• Access to networks to promote new business both nationally and internationally.

Cultural diversity is everywhere in Australia: in schools, workplaces, and the community.