per cent of respondents of Islamic faith, 21 per cent of respondents born in Africa and the Middle East and 20 per cent of respondents born in Asia reported experiences of discrimination (Markus 2012: 2). Community cohesion should be a primary consideration in the formulation of policy and legislative frameworks. Dismantling or substantially watering down existing legislation that prohibits public incitement of racial hostility risks eroding the relatively high levels of community cohesion and immigrant integration already achieved in Australia. Economic impacts There is limited high quality data available in Australia about the prevalence of racism/discrimination and its impact on health outcomes for the general population, in order to model the economic costs of racism. On a macro level, it is generally accepted that existing and future Australia’s economic prosperity is intrinsically linked to the economic and strategic transformation of our region in the world - the Asia-Pacific region. Evolving partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region contribute to prosperity and Australia’s Australia has nurtured partnerships and relationships by promoting a commitment to multiculturalism and social harmony. On purely economic terms, Australia cannot afford to be perceived by its neighbours as being a racist country, and needs to pay close attention to its international image. Over the years there have been numerous challenges to the view that Australia is a country that values its diverse and multicultural society and is committed to the Asia-Pacific region. One of the economic strategies Australia actively pursues in the Asia-Pacific region is to attract international students. In 2012-13, overseas students who came to Australia to live and study contributed $14.461 billion to the economy. Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria were the main beneficiaries of this lucrative market. To attract international students, Australia presents a positive picture of Australian society. Australia ranks third highest in the world for its share of international students, and regulates student welfare through a code for the safety and well-being of international students. Dismantling or substantially watering down existing legislation that prohibits public incitement of racial hostility has risks for international reputation. There is Australia’s
per cent of respondents of Islamic faith, 21 per cent of respondents born in Africa and the Middle East and 20 per cent of respondents born in Asia reported experiences of discrimination (Markus 2012: 2). Community cohesion should be a primary consideration in the formulation of policy and legislative frameworks. Dismantling or substantially watering down existing legislation that prohibits public incitement of racial hostility risks eroding the relatively high levels of community cohesion and immigrant integration already achieved in Australia. Economic impacts There is limited high quality data available in Australia about the prevalence of racism/discrimination and its impact on health outcomes for the general population, in order to model the economic costs of racism. On a macro level, it is generally accepted that Australia’s existing and future economic prosperity is intrinsically linked to the economic and strategic transformation of our region in the world - the Asia-Pacific region. Evolving partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region contribute to Australia’s prosperity and Australia has nurtured partnerships and relationships by promoting a commitment to multiculturalism and social harmony. On purely economic terms, Australia cannot afford to be perceived by its neighbours as being a racist country, and needs to pay close attention to its international image. Over the years there have been numerous challenges to the view that Australia is a country that values its diverse and multicultural society and is committed to the Asia-Pacific region. One of the economic strategies Australia actively pursues in the Asia-Pacific region is to attract international students. In 2012-13, overseas students who came to Australia to live and study contributed $14.461 billion to the economy. Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria were the main beneficiaries of this lucrative market. To attract international students, Australia presents a positive picture of Australian society. Australia ranks third highest in the world for its share of international students, and regulates student welfare through a code for the safety and well-being of international students. Dismantling or substantially watering down existing legislation that prohibits public incitement of racial hostility has risks for Australia’s international reputation. There is