New Multiculturalism Policy Presented by Fed Government

Added by Gary Dunn on February 16, 2011

The Australian federal government has decided to set up a new and independent advisory body whose mission would be to champion over the community’s multiculturalism. The new Multicultural Advisory Council would have much broader terms of reference than the current one and will try to ensure the country’s unique model endures in the eyes of religious extremist organizations.

According to Chris Bowen, the Immigration Minister, “The new body will act as a champion for multiculturalism in the community, will advise the government on multicultural affairs and will help ensure Australian government services respond to the needs of migrant and refugee communities.”

The Immigration Minister held a speech, on Wednesday, at the Sydney Institute during which he talked about the new advisory body. Mr Bowen said that a National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy will be decided, which would further aid the country to eliminate forms of racism.

The minister further added that Australia does not want to pronounce multiculturalism dead or blame it for terrorists and crimes, which makes its plan unique as compared to that of other countries. Mr Bowen stated that “Australia must remain free and equal”.

According to the statement, Senator Kate Lundy will be renamed from her function as parliamentary secretary. The senator will be, as stated by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, focusing on promoting multiculturalism in both the community and the Parliament in the name of the current administration’s Labor government.