Civics and citizenship

Active citizenship and representation in the democratic process are keys to full participation in Western Australia's economic, cultural and civic activities. Find out why they are important and where to find out more. 

​​The Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI) Strategic Plan 2014–18 identifies promotion of active citizenship and representation in the democratic process as one of the main strategies in facilitating full participation by culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities in social, economic, cultural and civic activities.

OMI supports programs that build the capacity of CaLD communities, increase empowerment and knowledge, and advance participation in civic institutions and activities.

Key objectives of civics and citizenship in WA

 

Inclusion

Facilitating citizens to become full and active members of their political and social community.

Knowledge

Education to provide the practical knowledge and understanding of how 'the system' works, and the rights and responsibilities of both citizens and governments.

Participation

Creating the partnerships between government and citizens that put the public into policy.

Democratic governance

Developing public trust and confidence in the democratic process and institutions.

Civics framework including knowledge, participation, democratic governance and inclusion as outlined in the previous text.
Office of Multicultural Interests Strategic Plan 2014–2018 cover

Office of Multicultural Interests Strategic Plan 2014–2018

Report
An inclusive and cohesive society which draws on its cultural and linguistic diversity to enhance the social, economic, cultural and civic development of Western Australia and the wellbeing of all community members.

The following list can be used as a guide by stakeholders to understand the different roles and responsibilities across government and the community organisations and programs in the area.

Please note: most organisations operate across more than one key objective area.

Inclusion

Celebrate WA

Celebrate WA presents the Western Australian of the Year Awards in recognition of excellence and outstanding contribution to WA; and delivers the WA Day Festival engaging tens of thousands of Western Australians across the state, in celebration of all Western Australians, recognising our Aboriginal history and the many people from all cultures who have made, and continue to make, WA their home.​​

Celebrate WA website​

Auspire—the Australia Day Council WA

Auspire presents the WA Australian of the Year Awards—WA Australian of the Year, WA Young Australian of the year, WA Senior Australian of the Year and WA Local Hero, and the Citizen of the Year Awards through local government. Auspire also delivers the Aussie of the Month program which is a primary school based civics and citizenship program to recognise and celebrate active citizenship in our schools. Auspire also undertakes engagement and capacity building programs.

Auspire website

Local governments

Since the early 1950s successive Commonwealth Governments have accorded local government the role of conferral of Australian Citizenship at Citizenship ceremonies. Citizenship ceremonies provide councils with an opportunity to welcome new citizens as formal members of the Australian community and in particular as members of their local community.

WALGA website

Knowledge

Constitutional Centre of Western Australia

The Constitutional Centre of Western Australia provides information and a program of exhibitions, seminars and events that support Western Australians to learn about our political system State and Commonwealth Government, and current issues. If you are interested in learning more or attending these programs please contact the Constitutional Centre via the link below.

Constitutional Centre website

Western Australian School Curriculum and Standards Authority

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority is responsible for Kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum, assessment, standards and reporting. In Civics and Citizenship the key concepts are democracy, democratic values, the Westminster system, justice and participation.

School Curriculum and Standards Authority website​

Australian Curriculum Reporting and Assessment Authority

The Australian Curriculum Reporting and Assessment Authority sets consistent national standards to improve learning outcomes for all young Australians. The Years 3–10 Civics and Citizenship curriculum is organised into two interrelated strands: Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding, and Civics and Citizenship Skills.  

Australian Curriculum website

McCusker Centre for Citizenship (UWA)

The centre undertakes education, participation and youth-based projects to enable active citizenship in collaboration with the University of WA students, not-for-profit and community organisations, government and business.​

McCusker Center for Citizenship website

Commonwealth Department of Social Services

The Australian Government Department of Settlement and Social Services works to improve the wellbeing of migrants and refugees settling in Australia by responding to their needs, encouraging their independence and participation in the Australian community.

Department of Social Services website

Democratic governance

WA Electoral Commission

Promotes enrolment and participation of CaLD communities in elections and reduction of informal voting.

WA Electoral Commission website

Australian Electoral Commission

Promotes enrolment and participation of CaLD communities in elections and reduction of informal voting.

Australian Electoral Commission website​

WA Parliamentary Education Office

The Parliamentary Education Office manages the promotion, knowledge and understanding of the history, role and functions of the WA Parliament. The office delivers parliamentary education programs for the general public and schools programs that are in accordance with the WA Curriculum and Assessment Outline.

Parliament of WA website

Citizenship

​Department of Home Affairs

This Australian Government department is responsible for immigration and citizenship, travel and border crossing, visas, and settling in Australia. This department also provides grants to strengthen Australia's cultural diversity.

Department of Home Affairs website
Page reviewed 02 September 2022