They see multicultural policy and programs as giving privileges to non-English-speaking Australians. They accept that an individual's language and culture will shape his or her identity, but see this as strictly a private matter. Shared values Most acknowledge that diversity is a fact of life in Australia, but does not appear to be a consensus about what this means for traditional Australian values. Some say that our traditional values of respect for individual freedoms and giving everyone a 'fair-go' have disposed us to accept differences. In other words, it is our traditional Australian values that underpin multicultural policy and this is why Australians are generally able to accept people whose cultures include different traditions. Others see Australia being confronted by the dilemma of there not appearing to be a binding commitment that can keep Australians united, no common vision or general conviction about the way ahead. They see diversity as risking a damaging breakdown in the values that Australians share. The Council acknowledges that there is a range of opinions on multicultural issues. These will be taken into account in its work. The Council believes that discussion of issues needs to be based on factual information; it is particularly important to examine the core values and principles which Australians support and share as a community. Basic principles underlying multicultural policy The Council believes that our multicultural policy should reflect Australian core values which are central to Australia's liberal democratic traditions and whose relevance is timeless. Australia is, above all, a free and open society; its institutions, values and traditions reflect a compassionate concern for the vulnerable in our society and a firm belief that everyone is entitled to a 'fair go'. The Council believes that these values are rooted deep in our traditions. They are evident in the cultures of the Aboriginal societies which pre-date European settlement. They are also to be found in the egalitarian ethos which underpinned the development of a liberal democratic Australia in the 19th century. This tradition has helped Australia to attract and to welcome so many migrants. This openness has also allowed the country to accept and respect the rights of individuals to live by their own religious and cultural beliefs and customs. The Council believes that this acceptance has helped Australia to develop into a successful multicultural society which, far from being a departure from Australia's traditions, is one of its finest achievements.
They see multicultural policy and programs as giving privileges to non-English-speaking Australians. They accept that an individual's language and culture will shape his or her identity, but see this as strictly a private matter. Shared values Most acknowledge that diversity is a fact of life in Australia, but does not appear to be a consensus about what this means for traditional Australian values. Some say that our traditional values of respect for individual freedoms and giving everyone a 'fair-go' have disposed us to accept differences. In other words, it is our traditional Australian values that underpin multicultural policy and this is why Australians are generally able to accept people whose cultures include different traditions. Others see Australia being confronted by the dilemma of there not appearing to be a binding commitment that can keep Australians united, no common vision or general conviction about the way ahead. They see diversity as risking a damaging breakdown in the values that Australians share. The Council acknowledges that there is a range of opinions on multicultural issues. These will be taken into account in its work. The Council believes that discussion of issues needs to be based on factual information; it is particularly important to examine the core values and principles which Australians support and share as a community. Basic principles underlying multicultural policy The Council believes that our multicultural policy should reflect Australian core values which are central to Australia's liberal democratic traditions and whose relevance is timeless. Australia is, above all, a free and open society; its institutions, values and traditions reflect a compassionate concern for the vulnerable in our society and a firm belief that everyone is entitled to a 'fair go'. The Council believes that these values are rooted deep in our traditions. They are evident in the cultures of the Aboriginal societies which pre-date European settlement. They are also to be found in the egalitarian ethos which underpinned the development of a liberal democratic Australia in the 19th century. This tradition has helped Australia to attract and to welcome so many migrants. This openness has also allowed the country to accept and respect the rights of individuals to live by their own religious and cultural beliefs and customs. The Council believes that this acceptance has helped Australia to develop into a successful multicultural society which, far from being a departure from Australia's traditions, is one of its finest achievements.
multicultural_australia_-_the_way_forward.docx