On Monday 20 March the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull released the “Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, Successful” statement that reaffirms the government’s commitment to multicultural Australia. For a copy of the document see: https://www.dss.gov.au/settlement-and-multicultural-affairs/australian-governments-multicultural-statement.
I am delighted that as the Chair of Australian Multicultural Council I was able to assist the Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs, Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, in the development of the statement. My speech delivered during the launch of the statement is attached.
This statement outlines the strategic direction and priorities for multicultural policy in Australia. It names cultural diversity as one of Australia’s greatest assets. It asserts that Australian society is not defined by race, religion or culture but by our shared values of freedom, democracy, the law and equal opportunity. The statement rejects practices which undermine these shared values and emphasises Australia’s unique national identity and the importance of integration.
It also, for the first time, mentions the importance of safety and security for all Australians as the foundation for Australian society to remain free, diverse and harmonious. The statement recognises that to strengthen our economy we must support the economic and social participation of new arrivals who bring with them the skills, knowledge, and networks of a diverse workforce. The statement promotes self-reliance, equal opportunity and mutual respect. It points to the value of social integration and citizenship.
This document must be seen as an important shift from the 2011 multicultural statement by the former Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard. To start with the statement links to the former Labor Prime Minister Hawke Multicultural Agenda by being addressed to all Australians and not only to those from ethnic or religious minorities or refugees. It moves away from welfare entitlement and recognizes the impact of terrorism on the social fabric of Australia. It rejects multiculturalism as a vehicle for grievance and identity politics. The statement also stresses democratic participation and freedom of speech as important elements of multicultural Australia, and moves away from Labor’s past reference to the use of “the full force of law” while denouncing racism and promoting mutual respect.
The government’s approach to multiculturalism is echoed in the broader community, as revealed by the Scanlon Foundation in its 2016 Mapping Social Cohesion report which confirms high levels of support nationally for multiculturalism of 83%. (see: Scanlon Foundation (2016) “Mapping Social Cohesion”, p.54, accessible at http://scanlonfoundation.org.au/research_surveys/2016/)
The statement was welcomed by the Settlement Council of Australia. Ms Dewani Bakkum, SCoA’s chair, stated: “This goodwill indicates that multiculturalism is alive and well in Australia and the Statement provides a positive framework with which we can build on the successes of the past and ensure they continue for future generations of Australians.” The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) gave a cautious welcome to the statement suggesting that is should be followed by a set of tangible initiatives including a Federal Multicultural Act and the development of a National Language Policy.
