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Social policy is used as a kind of ethical answer to the question of What do we as citizens owe to each other’ (Peasant, Watts, Dalton & Smyth, 2006). To make policy, policy makers do research – they read, hold meetings and give interviews. Governments then draft legislation and politicians meet in Parliament to vote on and pass legislation. The next step Is to set the wheels of policy In motion with detailed programs. This is a social activity often created by groups of people inside networks or policy-making communities.
There is a collective quality about these networks, as the ideas and activities come to be more important than the personal feelings of any one person (Peasant, et. , al. ,2006). Red Cross Australia is an example of one of these outworks. Australian Red Cross and Diversity Policy Australian Red Cross believes in the power of humanity. ‘Relief in times of crisis, care when its needed most and commitment when others turn away. Red Cross is there for people In need, no matter who you are, no matter where you live’ (www. Decrees. Org. AU). The fundamental principles of Red Cross Australia are humanity, Impartiality, neutrality. Independence, voluntary service and universality. Australian Red Cross uses the Board Social Policy statements for humanitarian diplomacy to persuade and influence decision makers and opinion leaders to act in reticular ways in the interests of vulnerable people. The Red Cross is a non- government organization that Is community based. There is a high level of trust and a large amount of voluntarism.
Agendas are created Involving group discussions around Important Issues. Powell (1 991 ) states that It Is Important to have an anthropological understanding when policy making and the Red Cross is front line when it comes to agenda – setting (Peasant, et. , al. , 2006). Through being there with the people in times of crisis they understand what people need and can give it to them. This creates waves and therefore involves the community and the media, which In turn presses the Government into action (Peasant, et. Al. , 2006). Urgent cases of distress.
The Red Cross does not discriminate against nationality, race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, social background, family status, age or political opinion. Red Cross Australia makes the following commitments to diversity. To provide access, equity and respect to Red Cross people To provide access, equity and respect for clients and beneficiaries To focus on marginal’s groups To promote respect for diversity As a signatory to the Australian Council for International Development Red Cross is committed to high standards in financial reporting, management and ethical practice (wry. CFML. Com). Red Cross Australia embraces the diversity of Australian society and believes the respect and acceptance are imperative in an equitable, multicultural society. The Red Cross has developed, with the Department of Immigration, a diverse Australia program, which celebrates diversity and encourages all young Australians to engage themselves with issues of multiculturalism. A range of activities has been designed to increase a mutual understanding between young Australians of varied backgrounds. These youth led projects are effective when it comes to encouraging this mutual understanding.
Red Cross believes that every Australian has a rich cultural heritage and a story to tell, whether he/she is a recent arrival from Africa, an indigenous Australian, a 6th generation Anglo- Celtic, a Lebanese Australian or a Middle Eastern Australian. Red Cross is committed to contributing to the development of a culturally rich and resilient Australia. Barriers need to be overcome as in a community of respectful people everyone is able to practice their customs without fear or threat of not being accepted. Similarities and differences are encouraged (www. Reducers. Org. AU).
The Red Cross is committed to conducting quality social research, which strengthens their mission in being a leading humanitarian organization. They are always exploring new strategies focusing on social policy framework. Australian federal Government and Diversity From 1901- 1945 governments deemed the existence of a mixed race a problem trying to ‘breed out the black through an assimilation policy (Peasant, J. Et al. , 2006). In the sass’s Australia encouraged immigration, though limiting it to whites only abiding by ‘The white Australia Policy for labor, which led to prosperity and the economic boom in the ass’s and early ass’s.
However immigrants were encouraged to become indistinguishable from the Australian born population, continuing with total assimilation. Post the abolition of ‘The White Australia Policy in 1973 (www. App. Gob. AU) and under both the Fraser and Hawked governments immigration continued into the ass’s and ass’s with cultural diversity, and multiculturalism being There seemed to be a shift towards integration instead of assimilation. In the sass real progress was made in all aspects of multiculturalism with a lot of support through several non – profit organizations (Noose), community organizations and the Australian Human Rights Commission (ARC).
Australia was actually known as having one of the most successful multicultural societies in the developed world with well over 100 distinct ethnic groups living together Marjoram, 2009). However over the last fifteen years there has been criticism of Australia’s multicultural policy in the both the public and political eye. This has been impacted by the concern of global terrorism and challenges of ensuring social cohesion in ethnically diverse societies. Under the Howard government there seemed to be a general shift away from a multicultural society leaning back towards social cohesion and integration.
This was primarily through fear. The twin towers catastrophe in 2001 meant that people were afraid and anyone who looked different was a terrorist. In 2007, the Labor opposition welcomed the human rights and equal opportunity commission’s point of view on multiculturalism. Laurie Ferguson declared that ‘Laborer’s vision for a literature society is consistent with Hero’s stated objectives of promoting understanding, respect and friendship among racial and ethnic groups in Australia and to combat prejudices that lead to racial discrimination’ (www. App. Gob. AU).
As global migration will continue to increase, Australia will face challenges engaging in social policy frameworks trying to find new approaches to deal with the complex nature of modern diversity (www. App. Gob. AU). The Department of Social Services encourages a vision of a strong and fair society for all Australians (www. Ads. Gob. AU). The Australian Human Rights Commission recognizes the inherent value of each person, regardless of background, appearance, thoughts, beliefs, religions and philosophies. To respect basic human rights is the basis of a strong society (www. Murmurings. Gob. AU).. The Diverse Australia Programmer, funded by the Australian Government, aims to continue to promote respect, fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging for everyone (wry. Mimi. Gob. AU). Recommendations for future improvement What does the future look like? Australia will only become more populated with people from diverse backgrounds so migration and diversity policies will need to evolve with the times. Multiculturalism and diversity need to be supported and Australia will have to have the appropriate infrastructure for all to live comfortably.
It is important to develop projects that promote fairness, respect and a sense of belonging to something greater. Through the frameworks and policies of the Australian Government, Noose and community organizations this can be achieved. Policy-making involves both the government and the people who work for the civil society (Peasant et. Al. , 2006). A spirit of ongoing inclusiveness needs to be encouraged in schools and communities. Community based education that addresses issues of cultural, racial and religious intolerance is important. Through major subjects.
The concept of culture and what it means to young Australians needs to be explored in the schools and communities. Inspirational projects are also needed in schools and communities to create greater understanding and awareness between people of different cultural backgrounds. Human Rights are another area that should be addressed via the education system in schools. There are 30 rights declared by the United Nations and all children should be made aware of these(www. UN. Org ). Australia is the only developed nation, which, does not have its own Bill of Rights and this needs to be addressed and changed.
Forward thinking and planning are necessary to ensure people from different backgrounds can live in harmony and through community exposure and the education system this can be achieved. Conclusion This report primarily discusses diversity with in the Red Cross organization, however the Australian Federal Government plays an important role in the implementation of sound social policy, which can be incorporated into education systems therefore reaching a broad social spectrum. Cultural diversity defines Australian society in the 21st Century.
Australia is culturally wealthy and should embrace this chance. The multicultural character of Australia is central to the Australian story and this story should be told. Australia’s people and political leaders should consider highlighting Australia’s diversity. Diversity brings ideas, energy, achievement, innovation and skills and has and will continue to make Australia rich in a multitude of ways. However sometimes through lack of education, lack of resources or Just being in the wrong place at the wrong can mean that not being the same as someone else is obligating.