People from multicultural backgrounds
The 2011 Australian Census shows that Queensland is home to people who come from more than 220 countries, speak more than 220 languages other than English, and follow more than 100 religious faiths. Over a quarter of Queenslanders were born overseas and almost half were either born overseas or have a parent born overseas.
Queensland has healthcare workers and services that can provide care which is culturally appropriate for you and your family. You can access interpreting and translation services and receive spiritual support from a member of your religious faith. Your cultural or religious beliefs will be respected.
Translating and interpreting services
All Queensland Government agencies are required to provide and pay for qualified interpreting services for consumers who are hearing impaired or have difficulties communicating in English. Learn more about translating and interpreting services, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages interpreting.
Planning ahead
Advance care planning is a process of planning now for future health and personal care so your values, beliefs and preferences are made known. This can help to guide decision-making at a future time if you cannot make or communicate your decisions.
Everyone in Queensland, regardless of where they were born or what culture they identify with, has the right to make decisions about their future care and to have those choices respected.
If you have spiritual or religious beliefs that relate to medical treatments, it is important to share this. Discuss your beliefs and wishes with your substitute decision-maker(s), your healthcare team, or by recording your choices.
Other resources
Paediatric palliative care translated resources has practical information and support for families from linguistically diverse backgrounds accessing paediatric palliative care.
Advance care planning Australia has information in different languages you can listen to or read.
Find more information about advance care planning:
- Multicultural Resource Directory
- Centrelink payments and services – translated information
- Cancer Council Australia’s Resource Directory – use filters for culturally and linguistically diverse groups