A New Agenda for Multicultural Australia
Prime Minister's Foreword
Australia occupies a unique intersection of culture, geography, history and economic circumstance.
We are blessed with immense natural resources, living in a continent of great physical beauty. We have an educated and skilled workforce, democratic institutions, social harmony and a lifestyle that is the envy of the world.
We approach the new century with great optimism and with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in our economic strength and way of life.
Australia's cultural diversity is one of our most important attributes as we face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. It has been nourished by our indigenous cultures, early European settlement and successive waves of immigration from all parts of the world.
Our democratic values and commitment to a fair go for all underpin Australia's success as a multicultural and cosmopolitan society.
We are an open and tolerant society that promotes the celebration of diversity within the context of a unifying commitment to Australia. Our diversity is a source of competitive advantage, cultural enrichment and social stability.
The Government's response to the National Multicultural Advisory Council's report Australian multiculturalism for a new century: Towards inclusiveness, is intended to build on these achievements.
We cannot take what we have achieved for granted. Government policies and programs should be subject to periodic evaluation and renewal to keep them relevant and responsive to changing circumstances.
The Government's response has been prepared after extensive consultations with interested groups and it is the fruits of two years of work by the Hon Philip Ruddock MP, Neville Roach and their associates.
On behalf of the Government, I thank them for their outstanding work.
John Howard
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