NOMINATIONS HAVE CLOSED  for the NSW Faith Affairs Council

The NSW Faith Affairs Council (‘the Council’) is established to improve the NSW Government’s understanding and competency in relation to policies, programs and services that affect religious communities and people of faith in New South Wales.

The Council is established under Section 11 of the Multicultural NSW Act 2000 as a standing committee of Multicultural NSW, Multicultural NSW being the statutory authority providing independent advice to the NSW Government on issues relating to religious diversity in New South Wales.

The Council is established as a formal consultative mechanism to:

• improve the NSW Government’s understanding and competency in relation to policies, programs and services that affect religious communities and people of faith in New South Wales;
• identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the NSW Government and religious communities on initiatives that benefit people in New South Wales irrespective of their religious affiliation;
• facilitate the co-ordination of faith-based organisations to support communities during times of need;
• provide advice on the priorities and emerging trends within religious communities;
• propose solutions to support and enhance community wellbeing, community safety, and community harmony across religious differences, including in response to emerging issues or events relating to religious intolerance;
• facilitate ongoing dialogue between the NSW Government, religious communities, and between members;
• consider relevant issues raised by religious communities that are referred to the Council for consideration;
• the Council’s scope is limited to consultations on current or prospective matters.