A multicultural Australia for all
The Multicultural Framework Review report ‘Towards Fairness – A multicultural Australia for all’, the first major examination into Australia’s multiculturalism, has been published, with 29 recommendations made to the Commonwealth Government.
The Review Panel travelled extensively across Australia to conduct 216 public consultations, to which Auspire – Australia Day Council WA contributed and provided feedback. Along with 796 public submissions, the consultations informed the report to Government, which comprehensively outlines immediate and future recommended actions designed to sustain and indeed progress a successful and fair multicultural Australia.
In commending the report, Auspire CEO Morgen Lewis said, “Australia’s national identify is quite fluid and can change over time, as it is not predicated on ethnicity or race. It’s how we feel, it’s about our sense of belonging to our nation.”
Ms Lewis said the report outlines some very fundamental initiatives that she believes will help shape a more culturally inclusive Australia, indeed a nation where everyone can feel a sense of belonging no matter where their own, personal Australian stories started.
“The report highlights there are still many hurdles, and a path for a unified, shared national identity may not be smooth, but by embracing mateship, one of the most important values we share as Australians, and elevating our unrelenting commitment to the notion of a fair go (the belief that everyone can contribute to the life and institutions of Australia), we can achieve it,” she added.
Notwithstanding Australia’s’ unique and enduring First Nations’ culture, June Oscar AO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, and Australian of the Year Awards’ alumna says in her foreword, that multiculturalism is Australia’s most uniting and enduring strength. “It is important that all Australian governments and citizens recognise this truth, celebrate it, and do what we can to nurture and grow our shared multicultural identity,” wrote Ms Oscar.
To support the implementation of the recommendations, the multicultural framework outlines a road map of three stages:
- Connection: Setting the foundations
- Identity and Belonging: Creating a welcoming Australia
- Inclusion: Working together to get services right
Together, these sections make recommendations across all factors and periods of life – from education and the media, to employment and healthcare – demonstrating that supporting and celebrating our multiculturalism and feeling of belonging requires real investment and long-term work for a sustainable, successful future.
Read the full report here.
