The ABC of 'access' and 'equity'

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'Access and Equity' are part of a broader social justice agenda

The Commonwealth Access and Equity Policy began in 1985 as a response to improving the provision of services to people from a non-English speaking background. In 1989 the Access and Equity Strategy was formally extended to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all groups of people who face barriers due to race, religion, language or culture. 'Access and Equity' are the cornerstones of the Commonwealth Social Justice Strategy.

National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia (1989)

The National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia was developed in 1989. Its plan of action was based on clear social justice principles (equity, equality, access and participation) that aim to eliminate inequalities derived from cultural, racial, religious or linguistic differences. These social justice principles mean:

Equity
Resources, such as services and funds, are made available to everyone, not just certain groups of people.

Equality
All people have the right to receive appropriate quality services. Also, all people also have the right not to be discriminated against for unlawful reasons.

Access
Services are planned, managed, delivered and promoted in such a way that all people are able to find the services and use them to meet their needs.

Participation
Opportunities are created for all people to participate in the community by providing the services and supports available in that community. People also have the opportunity to participate in decision-making about the services they receive. Services are provided in ways that meet the needs of all people who require them.

NSW Charter of Principles for a Culturally Diverse Society (1993)

This Charter was developed by the NSW Government to guide all government activity, policy development and dealings with the non-government sector. The preamble of the Charter states that the Government regards the cultural and linguistic diversity of the state's population as a valuable resource which enhances all aspects of life. The four principles are:

• All individuals in NSW should have the greatest possible opportunity to contribute to and participate in all levels of public life;
• All individuals and public institutions should respect and accommodate the culture, language and religion of others within an Australian legal and institutional framework where English is the primary language;
• All individuals should have the greatest possible opportunity to make use of and participate in relevant activities and programs provided and/or administered by NSW government institutions; and
• All NSW public institutions should recognise the linguistic and cultural assets in the NSW population as a valuable resource and utilise and promote this resource to maximise the development of the community.

Achieving Cultural Competence

To achieve cultural competence, the principles of access and equity must be part of the overall strategy that impacts upon all activities throughout organisations and service systems. An integrated approach is vital to achieving social justice and access and equity for people from a non-English speaking background with disability in NSW. This means that agencies need to focus on:

Equality of outcomes

For example, many agencies state that they treat every service user and potential service user in an equal manner. However, because of additional barriers experienced by people from a NESB with disability, further measures such as access to a range of specific supports may be needed in order to achieve equitable outcomes. Therefore equality of outcomes can often only be achieved through equitable service delivery.

Balanced approach

For example, this usually begins with an examination of the internal and external processes of the agency. External processes include promotion, information, networking and consulting with the community. Internal processes are those such as staff training and resources to ensure that the agency will be in a position to deliver a service model to meet the needs of a culturally diverse community.

Integral to the day to day operation of the agency

For example, the approach should be to integrate access and equity policies and practices into the normal day-to-day activities of the agencies. Such an approach usually begins with an examination of the aims and objectives of the agency and extends to an examination of day to day practices in terms of their cultural appropriateness.