Intro
Image: A collection of original artworks by young emerging artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in Western Australia, curated by Zac Cawdron, Chairperson of the Youth at Risk Network (auspiced by the Youth Affairs Council of WA). Artists expressed ‘what they see and wish for in the future in this country.
The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) has today launched its Multicultural Plan 2026–29, outlining a whole of department commitment to fostering inclusion, championing diversity and ensuring culturally responsive services for all Western Australians.
Our plan aligns with the WA Multicultural Policy Framework, reinforcing the WA Government’s expectation that agencies help build harmonious communities, adapt services to meet diverse needs, and support equitable participation across all areas of public life.
Western Australia is a culturally diverse State, with more than 295 languages and dialects spoken and almost one in five people using a language other than English at home. Migration continues to shape the State’s population, which grew to just over 3 million people in 2024, one of the fastest growth rates in Australia.
This growing cultural richness strengthens the department’s identity and capability, helping staff understand, include and connect with the communities they serve.
Our Multicultural Plan includes measurable actions across every division, including Creative Industries, Tourism, Sport and Recreation and Multicultural Interests and our corporate teams.
Our plan commits CITS to building cultural safety, expanding accessibility, strengthening inclusive recruitment, improving community engagement and ensuring programs and communications meet the needs of Western Australia’s diverse communities.
Importantly, almost every action lists multiple leads and supporting teams, reflecting that inclusion cannot be achieved by any single area alone.
“This Plan belongs to all of us. Every employee plays a role in lifting these actions from words on a page to meaningful change for our workforce and the communities we serve,” said Chad Anderson, Director General
These outcomes reflect the essential role inclusion plays in enabling children and young people to connect, participate and thrive.
Findings from the Scanlon Institute's 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Report show Western Australians continue to strongly support multiculturalism and recognise the positive contributions of migrants. However, the report also reveals that 17% of Western Australians have experienced discrimination, particularly those born in non English speaking countries and young people aged 18 to 24.
Our plan responds to this by strengthening cultural respect, embedding inclusive practices and ensuring that CITS programs, events, communications and services are accessible and culturally safe for everyone.
By embedding our Multicultural Plan, we are working toward a future where every staff member and every Western Australian feels valued, respected and included.
“Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. By learning from each other, designing responsive services and working collaboratively, we help create a Western Australia where everyone feels they belong,” said Chad Anderson, Director General.
The Multicultural Plan 2026–29 is now live and will guide CITS’ commitments over the next three years.
Learn more about the Multicultural Plan 2026–29