Closes: 24 May 2026
Classification: Board/Committee/Council
MACM members are entitled to remuneration as determined by the ACT Remuneration Tribunal for Part-time Public Office Holders. This includes sitting fees for meeting, in line with the current determination as at August 2025.
Position No: MACM Chair, Deputy Chair and Members
Directorate: Independent Statutory Offices including boards, tribunals and committees
Advertised (Gazettal date): 24 April 2026
Contact Officer: Elgita Dajsmaili Secretariat on ******@act.gov.au
Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism
The Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism (MACM) is established under the Multiculturalism Act 2023 (the Act) to provide advice to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs on matters relating to multicultural communities in the ACT.
MACM provides advice on issues affecting people from culturally diverse backgrounds and contributes to the ACT government priorities and policy development that support an inclusive and equitable Canberra.
MACM facilitate engagement between the ACT government and multicultural communities and provides a forum to bring forward community perspectives, identify emerging issues, and support informed decision-making.
MACM is an advisory body and does not have decision-making powers.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Ministerial Advisory Council for Multiculturalism (MACM) supports a diverse, inclusive and welcoming Canberra, in line with the Act and the Charter for Multiculturalism and monitors progress through community consultation.
As the advisory body on multiculturalism in the ACT, MACM provides advice to the Minister on inclusion, community engagement, reducing barriers, and supporting migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum. It also advises on the effectiveness of government policies and programs.
MACM has a broad range of responsibilities including:
* Engaging with individuals, communities and organisations across the ACT to promote multiculturalism and identify the emerging needs, priorities and concerns of multicultural communities.
* Raising awareness of the Act and the Charter for Multiculturalism and the role and work of MACM within the broader community.
In line with these responsibilities, and the Terms of Reference, MACM works with stakeholders, communities and community organisations to:
* Understand lived experiences, identify emerging issues and priorities, and support community forums, consultations and other engagement activities
* Support two-way communication and share information on government initiatives and consultations
* Provide informed advice to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs on issues affecting the ACT multicultural communities to inform policies and program development.
* Work with other advisory bodies, ACT government directorates and key stakeholders to address cross-government and intersectional issues and represent MACM at meetings, events and forums where appropriate.
* Contribute to MACM’s planning processes, reporting on activities and outcomes, and monitoring progress against the principles of the Charter for Multiculturalism.
These responsibilities support MACM’s role as a key link between the ACT government and multicultural communities, ensuring community perspectives inform government decision-making.
Eligibility/ Other Requirements
Members are appointed by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs following a merit-based selection process.
Applicants must:
* demonstrate a strong connection to multicultural communities in the ACT
* understand issues affecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
* be able to contribute constructively to advisory discussions and collective decision-making.
* commit to active participation in Council meetings and activities
* uphold the principles of the Multiculturalism Act 2023 and MACM Terms of Reference
* be a resident of the ACT
* be legally entitled to work in Australia
Selection Criteria
Applicants should address the selection criteria in the allocated sections of the SmartyGrants form, found on the ACT government MACM website here.
Personal Attributes
Applicants should demonstrate:
* lived experience as a person from a culturally and linguistically diverse background
* a deep and active connection to community
* strong communication skills, including the ability to listen, advocate and present with and for community
* community leadership, including the ability to negotiate, empathise and collaborate with others
Demonstrate Commitment
Applicants should demonstrate:
* commitment to promoting multiculturalism in the ACT
* commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community
* a track record of making a positive contribution within multicultural communities
* understanding of cultural diversity and the interests, concerns and challenges experienced by culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the ACT
* commitment to improving local communities, including sharing information about the services and programs.
* ability to inform ACT Government policies and programs by representing community perspectives
* willingness and capacity to actively participate in Council activities in accordance with the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct (2022).
Remuneration
MACM members are entitled to remuneration as determined by the ACT Remuneration Tribunal for Part-time Public Office Holders. This includes sitting fees for meeting, in line with the current determination as at August 2025.
ACT public servants are not eligible for remuneration when serving in these roles, consistent with ACT government governance arrangements.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via SmartyGrants available on the ACT government MACM website here.
Applicants will be required to:
* complete the application form
* respond to the selection criteria
* provide relevant supporting information
All applications will be assessed through a transparent, merit-based process.
Note: This is not an ACT Public Service employment position. Members are appointed as part time office holders. Appointments are for a fixed three- years term from 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2029.
Further Information
More information about MACM, including its Terms of Reference, Multiculturalism Act 2023, Code of Conduct, MACM Website
Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.
Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.
#LI-DNI
Career interest categories:
Boards, Committees and Tribunals