Services for all: Promoting access and equity in local government

This publication is designed to assist Councils in taking a proactive approach to providing access to quality services and 'a fair go' for all residents.

This work has been commissioned by the Australian Local Government Association with funding from the Commonwealth Government’s Local Government Development Program. The primary purpose has been to review
some of the important literature and developments in access and equity issues, and to provide ideas to assist Councils to respond to the multicultural nature of Australian society. The publication is based on research conducted by Blackwell Consultancy, and further developed by the Australian Forum for Cultural Diversity (Dr Amareswar Galla and Dr Jane Stanley).   The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is committed to improving access and equity in Local Government. All members of the community wishing to participate in a local community having a right to fair,
equitable, and open access to programs and services funded with public dollars. This publication reflects that commitment.

Increasingly all spheres of government are realising the social and economic benefits of a stable and cohesive community and the need to fully respond to all groups making up a democratic society. The result is a better understanding of the strength which diversity can bring to a community, including people working together to develop local business opportunities in the global marketplace. Australia is a multicultural society, although some people still encounter barriers to services that other Australians take for granted. Access and equity is not about providing separate services to people from non-English speaking cultures. It is about ensuring that all residents gain access to services, facilities and opportunities provided by Councils, regardless of their race, culture, religion, or language.

This publication will allow Councils throughout Australia to assess and develop their response to demands for access and equity, and incorporate the principles of access and equity into their corporate planning processes. The approach taken in this publication is consistent with the Integrated Local Area Planning (ILAP) principles.

Click here to access the full report.

Visit the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) website.