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Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, SuccessfulForewordPrime Minister of AustraliaAustralia is the most successfulmulticultural society in the world.We are as old as our FirstAustralians, the oldest continuinghuman culture on earth, who havecared for this country for more than50,000 yea rs.And we are as young as the baby inthe arms of her migrant mother whocould have come from any nation,any faith, any race in the world.THE HON MALCOLM TURNBULL MPPrime Minister of AustraliaAustralia is an immigration nation.Almost half of our current populationwas either born overseas or has at leastone parent born overseas.And we come from every culture,every race, every faith, every nation.We are defined not by race, religionor culture, but by shared values offreedom, democracy, the rule of lawand equality of opportunity-a "fair go".The glue that holds us together ismutual respect - a deep recognitionthat each of us is entitled to thesame respect, the same dignity, thesame opportunities.And national security - a resolutedetermination to defend our nation,our people and our values - is thefoundation on which our freedomshave been built and maintained.At a time of growing global tensionsand rising uncertainty, Australiaremains a steadfast example ofa harmonious, egalitarian andenterprising nation, embracing itsdiversity.Multicultural Australia: United,Strong, Successful renews andreaffirms the Government'scommitment to a multiculturalAustralia, in which racism anddiscrimination have no place.I com mend Multicultural Australia:United, Strong, Successful to allAustralians.THE HON MALCOLM TURNBULL MPPrime Minister of Australia3
Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, SuccessfulJoint message from the Minister for Social Services and the AssistantMinister for Social Services and Multicultural AffairsAll Australians can be proudof our strong and successfulmulticultural society. The story ofAustralia began in the distant pastwith Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Australians, grew with theestablishment of British institutions,and continues with people fromlands far and wide.THE HON CHRISTIAN PORTER MPMinister for Social ServicesThe freedom and security weenjoy is no accident. SuccessiveGovernments have set out a visionfor our society that embracesdiversity while emphasising ourunique national identity and theimportance of being an integratedand united people.In an age where many people havegrown anxious about the increase ofterrorism and extremism, there is nobetter time to reaffirm our steadfastcommitment to democracy,opportunity, and our shared values.The Australian Government iscommitted to the security of ourSENATOR THE HON ZED SESELJAAssistant Minister for Social Services andMulticultural Affairsnation and the freedom of ourpeople. In Multicultural Australia:United, Strong, Successful theGovernment sets out the values thathave driven our success in the pastand will help us thrive in the future.This statement recognises thatcultural diversity is one of ourgreatest strengths; one that equipsus to build a future where everyonebelongs and has the chance to livea great life. It upholds the centralityof our democratic institutions andthe rule of law, it highlights theimportance of citizenship in ournational identity, and it makes clearthe responsibility we all have torespect our fellow Australians.This statement is the foundationon which we can further buildour multicultural society and welook forward to working with allAustralians in the tireless pursuit offreedom and prosperity.THE HON CHRISTIAN PORTER MPMinister for Social ServicesSENATOR THE HON ZED SESELJAAssistant Minister for Social Servicesand Multicultural Affairs4
LYNN'S STORYWhen Lynn Yeh's parents brought her to Australia from Taiwan at the age of 19, they wereseeking a better education and better future for her. Now a successful businesswoman,Lynn is giving these opportunities back to others."Before we came here my parents told us, 'Once you go to Australia, you must work hard andnever ever turn back'. So, we try our best and never ever give up.I set up my own pharmaceutical company. Now after 25 years, we have more than roo employeesand we export to many overseas countries.We value our staff and commit to giving back to the community. It's a meaningful and joyfulthing to help others.We definitely can bring our own country's culture to Australia and contribute back toAustralian society.We join with you as one country, together."Lynn is one of many proud migrants whose economic contribution creates new jobopportunities for Australians. As a result of what Australia has offered, Lynn is now drivingcommunity contributions, offering employment for people from all cultures and supportingservices such as Foodbank and the Royal Flying Doctor Service."I set up my own pharmaceutical company. Now after 25 years,we have more than 100 employees and we export to manyoverseas countries."6
Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, SuccessfulMulticultural Australia: United, Strong, SuccessfulOur shared storyAustralia is the most successfulmulticultural society in the world,uniting a multitude of cultures,experiences, beliefs, and traditions.We owe our accomplishments as anation to the contributions of morethan 300 different ancestries-fromthe First Australians to the newestarrivals.We have flourished in part thanksto our cultural diversity that isunderpinned by our common valuesand commitment to freedom,security, and prosperity.Our nation is enriched by Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander people, theoldest surviving culture on the planet,and the millions of people who havechosen to make a new life here.For more than 50,000 years FirstAustralians have lived, learned,adapted and survived on the landswe now call Australia. Living sideby side, they consisted of over 250different language groups or 'nations'across the continent, each withdistinctive cultures, beliefs, anddialects. Descendants of these nationsrepresent the oldest surviving cultureon the planet and have stories oftimes and places beyond the memoryof any other people.The story continued with thefoundation of modern Australia,through British and Irishsettlement and the establishmentof our parliamentary democracy,institutions and law. Over time, ourstory grew to include the millions ofpeople from all continents who havemade Australia home.Today, Australians welcome thosewho have migrated here to be partof our free and open society, to buildtheir lives and make a contribution toour nation.Over time, this coming togetherof many peoples helped buildour infrastructure, enlivenedour communities, enhanced ourcultural experiences, increasedour opportunities and, mostsignificantly, expanded the way wesee and engage with the world.Building mutual obligations betweengovernment, the community,and the individual- regardlessof nationality - strengthens ourresilience and sense of belonging.Together we have built the modernand prosperous Australia we aretoday, with our shared values,rights and responsibilities.
PETER'S STORYOne of seven children, Peter Scanlon is a 2nd generation Australian and successful businessman.Peter credits embracing cultural diversity as one of his key secrets to commercial success."My grandparents migrated from Ireland in the r88os.Growing up in Australia post-war, I wacched many migrants arrive and seccle. I was staggeredby the courage these 'new Australians' had, and the way they took the chance to provide a betterlife for their kids. That's something that's never lefi: me.I started the Scanlon Foundation to help build social cohesion in Australia - not just because I knowhow important cultural diversity is to business, but also because of my own personal experience.Our growth as a country is driven by immigration. It is essential that we help settle newmigrants well so they can contribute and participate as soon as possible.There is a lack of understanding of how much diversity within the workplace can improve yourbusiness. When a business is able to communicate to customers and suppliers in their firstlanguage, and with an understanding of their cultures, it can lead to much better outcomes.The Scanlon Foundation helps the business community to recognise and celebrate their culturaldiversity through initiatives such as the Taste of Harmony campaign run every March."Peter believes supporting new migrants is important for both our economic prosperity as anation and in maintaining the cohesive social fabric of our communities. Working with theAustralian Government, the Scanlon Foundation assists new migrants as they settle in Australiathrough 70 community hubs embedded within primary schools."I started the Scanlon Foundation to help build social cohesion inAustralia - not just because I know how important cultural diversityis to business, but also because of my own personal experience."8
Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, SuccessfulShared valuesOur values unite us and create socialbonds between us. They providethe foundation for our society anda shared future in which everyonebelongs. Our values are based on:RESPECTWe respect and we are committedto the rule of law and allegianceto Australia.We have respect for the libertyand dignity of all individuals.We value our diversity andembrace mutual respect,inclusion, fairness andcompassion.EQUALITYWe support equality of menand women.We believe in equality beforethe law.We believe in equality ofopportunity for all.FREEDOMOur commitment to freedom isfundamental.We support freedom of thought,speech, religion, enterprise andassociation.We are committed to aparliamentary democracy.We take responsibility forfulfilling our civic duties.Practices and behaviours thatundermine our values have no placein Australia.We all benefit from our nation'seconomic success, cultural andreligious freedom and diversity.Maintaining a strong commitmentto our common values is in the bestinterests of the Australian people.Shared rights andresponsibilitiesWe recognise the importanceof mutual respect and mutualresponsibility. Our success as amulticultural society is due to abalance of rights and responsibilitiesthat ensure a stable, resilient andharmonious society where we seekto give everyone the opportunity tocontribute to-and benefit fromour prosperity.Ours is a society founded on aliberal-democratic tradition in whichthe fundamental rights of everyindividual are inviolable.Citizenship is a privilege and, aspart of the Australian CitizenshipCeremony, new citizens pledge andaffirm 'loyalty to Australia and itspeople, whose democratic beliefsI share, whose rights and libertiesI respect, and whose lawsI will uphold and obey:Australians rightly expect thateveryone who is in our country,whether or not they are Australiancitizens, obeys Australian laws,supports our democratic process,and treats all people with respectand dignity.9
MARIJA'S STORYNow a political reporter for SBS News in Canberra, Marija Jovanovic arrived in Australia as asix month old baby from Serbia. Her parents believed life in Australia would give Marija accessto a great education and opportunities she may otherwise not have had."I'm so, so lucky. Ifl had not come here, I could have lived through things that children shouldnever have had to live through, like war. I can't believe what I have been given here.As I grew up, the number one thing my parents taught me was to work hard and to never give up.I'm one of millions of 2nd generation Australians who are working and living in a country thatthey love and that they want to give back to in every way they can.The value of a multicultural society is so important because it's the only way that the society canfunction peacefully, and in a way that offers opportunity for everyone in an equal fashion.Respect, acceptance, inclusiveness and shared responsibility are vital to making Australia thebest multicultural society it can be.I'm a very proud Australian-Serbian woman and I just wish every other Australian would meet asmany people as they can from different backgrounds, because it makes for an incredible country."Migrants, like Marija and her family, bring cultural connections and contribute greatly to oursociety. In turn, they join with all Australians who benefit from our nation's economic success,cultural and religious freedom, and diversity.'½s I grew up, the number one thing my parents taught me wasto work hard and to never give up."10
Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, SuccessfulAsafe and secure AustraliaShared vision for the futureUnderpinning a diverse andharmonious Australia is the securityof our nation. The AustralianGovernment places the highestpriority on the safety and securityof all Australians. Recent terroristattacks around the world havejustifiably caused concern in theAustralian community.Australia is united by a sharedcommitment to our nation and ourdemocratic institutions and values.We are all encouraged to promoteacceptance and understanding, andensure our society continues to besafe, cohesive and harmonious.The Government responds to thesethreats by continuing to invest incounter-terrorism, strong bordersand strong national security. Thishelps to ensure that Australiaremains an open, inclusive, freeand safe society.In the face of these threats, however,we do not compromise on ourshared values and national unity.The Government affirms that webest reinforce the safety of theAustralian community by focusing onwhat unites us and addressing ourdifferences through mutual respect.In this statement, the Governmentcontinues promoting the principleof mutual respect and denouncingracial hatred and discrimination asincompatible with Australian society.It complements other Governmentpolicies and programs that, togetherwith numerous community andvolunteer activities, inspire, supportand sustain our unity. For example: The Adult Migrant English Programsupports eligible migrants andhumanitarian entrants to learnfoundation English languageand settlement skills to enablethem to participate socially andeconomically in Australian society. The Government's MulticulturalAccess and Equity Policy ensuresprograms and services meet theneeds of all Australians, whatevertheir cultural and linguisticbackground. Pathways to citizenship give newmigrants the opportunity to befull and active participants incivic society. The Government supports astrong and diverse multiculturalmedia through radio, print, on lineand television. Harmony Day was establishedin 1999 and is now celebratedby thousands of Australianseach year, spreading a messageof inclusiveness, respect andbelonging for everyone. The Australian MulticulturalCouncil acts as a key advisorybody, providing robustand independent advice toGovernment.Australians do not take our harmonyand prosperity for granted. Togetheras individuals, groups, and at all levelsof government-we will continue tobuild stronger, more cohesive andprosperous communities, guided byour shared values and the followingstrategic directions.11
TIM'S STORYTim Omaji, popularly known as 'Timomatic', is a Nigerian-born Australian singer-songwriterand dancer, rising to fame as a contestant on So You 1hink You Can Dance (Australia) in 2009.Tim's academic father brought his family to Australia when Tim was only IO months old.Nonetheless, Tim and his three siblings weren't deprived of West Africa's vibrant culture."We moved to Australia because Dad and Mum wanted to raise me and my brothers and sistersin an environment that offered more professional and academic opportunities. Dad stressed theimportance of education, and application, as a means of self-empowerment.I was usually the only black kid at school. I looked very different to everyone. It was just toughto fit in and to find my place. But, at the same time, my parents would always be like, look, you'redestined to be different and unique, just stand on your own two feet - be confident in that.When I was nine, I formed a band with my family. During the intermission of our shows, Iwould go on stage mimicking Michael Jackson's singing and dancing skills. I was nicknamed'Timomatic' by my friends when I was 15, because of my hip-hop dancing skills. I startedworking as artistic director and choreographer of dance company Kulture Break in Canberra.After school I spent six months at University of Canberra before my passion for music andperformance just grew too strong and I couldn't deny it.Growing up in Australia gave me a real sense of cultural diversity which really influenced mycareer path. I wanted to do something that could speak and relate to any and every culture.Dancing and singing gave me this unique opportunity. Through the platform of entertainment, Ihave been able to inspire, motivate and educate people from all races and religions.""Growing up in Australia gave me a real sense of culturaldiversity which really influenced my career path. I wanted to dosomething that could speak and relate to any and every culture.Dancing and singing gave me this unique opportunity."12
Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, SuccessfulEncouraging economic and social participation of new arrivals Harnessing the advantagesof our diversity and sharedAustralia has a rich history ofThe Government provides anational interestsettlement framework, widelymigrants contributing to our socialand economic fabric. This continuestoday with our inclusive multiculturalsociety providing opportunities fornew migrants to contribute to thesuccess of our nation.Together, the efforts of communities,schools, non-profit organisations,faith-based organisations, employersand governments are providingopportunities for people to positivelycontribute to Australian society.People who migrate to Australiashare the search for newopportunities or a better life.At the same time, economic andsocial integration by new migrantsand their families is vital to theirfuture. Feeling connected to theirnew home and being a part ofAustralian society creates a sense ofworth and belonging.considered best practice, designedto help new migrants integrate intoAustralian life. Settlement programssupport migrants to becomeself-reliant and active members ofthe Australian community.Some new arrivals, particularlythrough Australia's refugee andhumanitarian program, benefit fromspecialised support. This includeshelp learning English and gainingnecessary education or employmentskills. The Government remainscommitted to helping humanitarianentrants, especially during the firstfive years after arriving in Australia,so they can build a better lifeand become self-sufficient, fullycontributing members of society.The Australian Government iscurrently reforming settlementservices to deliver improvedEnglish language, educationand employment outcomes forhumanitarian entrants.English is and will remain our nationallanguage and is a critical tool formigrant integration. At the sametime, our multilingual workforce isbroadening business horizons andboosting Australia's competitive edgein an increasingly globalised economy.Our cultural diversity is one of ourgreatest assets - it sparks innovation,creativity and vitality. Our economyis strengthened by the skills,knowledge, linguistic capabilities,networks and creativity of ourdiverse workforce. Our productivityand competitiveness are enhancedthrough our ability to recognise andseize opportunities for internationaleconomic engagement.This includes the talent of the manytemporary migrants who contributeto the Australian economy andsociety while they are here. Manysettle permanently in Australia, whileothers return to their home countryor move to another country, furtherstrengthening our cultural, trade andeconomic opportunities overseas.Government, businesses andindustry all play a part in promotingand maximising the benefits of ourdiverse workforce.13
IIAM INA'S STORYWhen Amina Srio had to flee her home in Aleppo, Syria, she was devastated to depart from hermuch-loved English language centre, which she had run for many years. After arriving in Melbourneas a refugee, she gained qualifications to teach in Australia and has been giving back ever since."Teaching means everything to me, it is my life and I love it. When I'm in the classroom, I forgeteverything else.When I arrived in Melbourne, I was happy to be reunited with my sons, but leaving my life behindand starting anew at my age was daunting.I desperately wanted to get back to teaching and use my skills here in Australia.I enrolled in university and I got my Graduate Diploma in Education. It was the best thing I couldhave done.Volunteering as an English teacher to other refugees has given me the chance to help others andcontribute to Australian society. When my students see how much I love my job, they feel inspiredto study.My advice to them is always the same: first, learn English. Second, study or look for a job. Finally,I tell them to become an active member of the community.Giving refugees like I once was access to education is an essential part of helping them to fullyparticipate in Australian society. I meet so many skilled professionals in my class who have a lot tooffer, eager to contribute. Today I dream of starting a business in Melbourne, perhaps a languagecentre just like the one I had in Aleppo."Amina came to Australia under the humanitarian program. Many refugees and new migrantslike Amina bring with them professional training, skills and experience, and want to give back."Teaching means everything to me, it is my life and I love it.When I'm in the classroom, I forget everything else."14
Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, SuccessfulContinuing to build harmonious and sociallycohesive communitiesOur shared Australian values arethe cornerstone of our economicprosperity as well as our sociallycohesive society.Sharing our cultural heritage is partof celebrating what it means to beAustralian and helping everyoneto feel included in our society.Community harmony buildsnational unity. Common experiencescreate shared histories and shapeshared futures.In contrast, racism anddiscrimination undermine oursociety. We condemn people whoincite racial hatred.Regular inter-faith and inter-culturaldialogue is critical to reduce thepossibility of tensions withincommunities and to strengthencohesion and harmony. Suchdialogue helps to reduceprejudice, promote cross-culturalunderstanding, improve relationsbetween different ethnic andreligious groups and enhance thesense of belonging and trust.Regardless of cultural background,birthplace or religion, everyone inAustralia or coming to Australia hasa responsibility to engage with andseek to understand each other, andreject any form of racism or violentextremism.ConclusionSuccessive Australian Governmentshave established a firm commitmentto a multicultural Australia. It istimely to renew and reaffirm theGovernment's commitment with thisnew statement: a clear message onthe values and responsibilities thatunderpin our society, support ournational interest and guide how werespond to challenges. It presentsa vision for our future as a strongand successful multicultural nation,united by our allegiance to Australiaand committed to freedom andprosperity.15
multicultural society in the world. We are as old as our First Australians, the oldest continuing human culture on earth, who have cared for this country for more than 50,000 yea rs. And we are as young as the baby in the arms of her migrant mother who could have come from any n
