These include a 'fair go', mutual respect, egalitarianism, parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, freedom of religion and expression, equality of opportunity irrespective of race, religion, origin, language, gender, physical or mental capacity or social and economic circumstance, and the rejection of bigotry and prejudice. The Council believes these are strong enough to unite Australians from all backgrounds, particularly when one adds the substantial benefits that diversity brings to our quality of life and our economic well-being. When it prepares its report, the Council's objective will be to advise the Government on policies which will help to maintain an inclusive, cohesive, tolerant and harmonious society while maximising the value we derive from our diversity and minimising any adverse effects. This paper provides background information and raises a range of issues for the future. You are invited to consider the issues raised as well as any others you consider appropriate, and provide the Council with any constructive comments you would like to make. We look forward to your contribution, which will help the Council to take due account of a wide range of community views and feelings before advising the Government on a matter of such fundamental importance to Australia. Neville J. Roach Chairman Introduction The National Multicultural Advisory Council's terms of reference reflect continuing Australian government commitment to addressing the reality of Australia's cultural diversity within the framework of national unity. There is recognition that Australia has a long standing and continuing commitment to a pluralist, diverse, democratic society based on freedom, equality of opportunity, tolerance and peace. As discussed below, 'multiculturalism' has evolved as the dominant bipartisan policy approach to address Australia's cultural diversity since the early 1970s. Since that time significant advances have been made in this area: for example, laws have been enacted; government programs have become more sensitive to the needs of all clients; society has generally embraced diversity in the arts, our lifestyles and cuisine; and we have begun to use cultural diversity for our economic benefit. We have also begun to appreciate how the existence of people from culturally diverse backgrounds in our society provides bridges to other countries and cultures in an increasingly global community. multiculturalism has been a success, this is not to say that the implementation of multicultural policy has been flawless, or that wider community understanding of what the policy means for our national and individual well-being could not be enhanced.
These include a 'fair go', mutual respect, egalitarianism, parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, freedom of religion and expression, equality of opportunity irrespective of race, religion, origin, language, gender, physical or mental capacity or social and economic circumstance, and the rejection of bigotry and prejudice. The Council believes these are strong enough to unite Australians from all backgrounds, particularly when one adds the substantial benefits that diversity brings to our quality of life and our economic well-being. When it prepares its report, the Council's objective will be to advise the Government on policies which will help to maintain an inclusive, cohesive, tolerant and harmonious society while maximising the value we derive from our diversity and minimising any adverse effects. This paper provides background information and raises a range of issues for the future. You are invited to consider the issues raised as well as any others you consider appropriate, and provide the Council with any constructive comments you would like to make. We look forward to your contribution, which will help the Council to take due account of a wide range of community views and feelings before advising the Government on a matter of such fundamental importance to Australia. Neville J. Roach Chairman Introduction The National Multicultural Advisory Council's terms of reference reflect continuing Australian government commitment to addressing the reality of Australia's cultural diversity within the framework of national unity. There is recognition that Australia has a long standing and continuing commitment to a pluralist, diverse, democratic society based on freedom, equality of opportunity, tolerance and peace. As discussed below, 'multiculturalism' has evolved as the dominant bipartisan policy approach to address Australia's cultural diversity since the early 1970s. Since that time significant advances have been made in this area: for example, laws have been enacted; government programs have become more sensitive to the needs of all clients; society has generally embraced diversity in the arts, our lifestyles and cuisine; and we have begun to use cultural diversity for our economic benefit. We have also begun to appreciate how the existence of people from culturally diverse backgrounds in our society provides bridges to other countries and cultures in an increasingly global community. multiculturalism has been a success, this is not to say that the implementation of multicultural policy has been flawless, or that wider community understanding of what the policy means for our national and individual well-being could not be enhanced.
multicultural_australia_-_the_way_forward.docx