Australian Multiculturalism for a New Century: Towards Inclusiveness
Appendix B - community consultations
Background
To assist the Council in preparing this report to Government on the way forward for multicultural policy, the Council undertook wide-ranging consultative processes.
In May 1997, Irving Saulwick & Associates were commissioned to conduct a qualitative survey on community attitudes on immigration and multicultural issues. This involved a two-pronged approach:
- research discussions using focus groups in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and a range of prominent individuals;
- development of a communication strategy paper.
The research revealed that despite their personal commitment to Australia and intellectual sophistication, participants wrestled with the meaning of the term 'multiculturalism’ and some seriously doubted the worth of continuing with it.
Saulwick also recommended that a targeted communication strategy be undertaken to reassure people that they were being heard and that their views were being taken seriously. Information sessions were recommended for opinion leaders and the media.
In December 1997, the Council released an Issues Paper - Multicultural Australia: The Way forward to stimulate community discussion and encourage input to assist the Council in its work. Interested individuals and organisations were invited to participate in the process.
One hundred and sixty four submissions were received in response to the Issues Paper. Many of the comments in the submissions derived from well-known polarised positions referred to in the Issues Paper - either supportive or critical of current Government policy. Approximately 70 per cent of respondents were in favour of retaining multiculturalism, both as a term and a policy, and 30 per cent expressed criticism or were opposed to it.
Further, Council members have accepted numerous invitations to speak to the media and to attend seminars and meetings to consult with a wide cross-section of the community.
This dialogue has included meeting representatives of other advisory Councils working in related areas, eg the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, the National Council for the Centenary of Federation, the Multicultural Advisory Committees of both the Australia Council and the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission, the Australian Citizenship Council and the Civics Education Group; discussions at business forums, a workshop organised by the Australian Multicultural Foundation and the de Bono Foundation, meetings with representatives of community service organisations, schools, universities, business organisations and councils, religious, social and sporting bodies, women’s groups; the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia and several of its State and regional constituent councils, State and Territory Ethnic or Multicultural Commissions; and attendance at numerous cultural functions and community meetings.
The Council has also held discussions with senior Federal politicians from both the Government and the Opposition and individual members have met with several others at Federal, State, Territory and Local Government levels.
Summary of community views on the way forward for multicultural policy
Government departments
Submissions from government departments were generally supportive of the continuation of multiculturalism as a term and policy for managing Australia’s cultural diversity.
Their submissions focussed on how they are taking an active role in the promotion of cultural diversity by addressing the needs of all individuals in their organisations through a range of culturally sensitive policies and programs.
Many contributors stated that multiculturalism has had bipartisan political support over the past twenty-five years and has served Australia well, particularly in view of the rapidly changing nature of the migrant intake over this period. One submission stated:
[The success of multiculturalism] is recognised internationally. Far more importantly, most Australians recognise and are proud of the success with which our cultural diversity has been 'managed’ - a justifiable pride because that success has been made possible, at least partly, by the Australian character. (Western Australian Government)
Ethnic bodies
Ethnic bodies generally argued that multiculturalism is a reality and exists in every aspect of our daily life. It is for all Australians. Any attempt to abandon the policy may result in the loss of the achievements of the past two decades.
Submissions from this sector of the community also emphasised that multiculturalism demands from all Australians a commitment to Australia, its institutions and its values, such as parliamentary democracy, freedom of expression and the equality of the sexes.
Further, there was general agreement that Australia is internationally recognised and regarded as a role model for a culturally diverse, stable and cohesive society. These bodies also noted that there is considerable economic and social advantage in harnessing the skills and talents available in our culturally diverse society.
Business
The Council was disappointed that few submissions were received from the business sector. The few that were received were supportive of multiculturalism. They focussed on how best to use the skills of Australians from all backgrounds in order to meet the needs of rapidly changing global markets.
Academia/Professionals
This sector of the community generally argued that multiculturalism can best be conveyed to the public as a long-established and highly beneficial aspect of Australian life. They saw greater ethnic diversity over the past fifty years as strengthening our capacity to interact successfully in an increasingly cosmopolitan world and considered diversity to be an asset that needs to be valued and promoted in public policy.
Many of the submissions identified opportunities for education and communication which would, in time, break down barriers. There was much support for a targeted communication strategy which would reach the wider community, both intellectually and emotionally, and would address misrepresentations and misunderstandings.
A clear message from the submissions was that Australia is a cultural democracy, where differences in history and experience should be recognised and valued.
Individuals
The Issues Paper drew mixed responses from individuals in the community.
Supporters tended to view multiculturalism as a powerful cohesive force for this nation; a policy which promotes fairness and unity. They saw cultural diversity as contributing to Australia’s economic and social development and maturity.
Others expressed diverse views; some were ambivalent and others were openly sceptical about its objectives and relevance for Australian society. The latter saw the policy of assimilation as effective and desirable, believing that the Australian life-style is the core of our society, onto which other cultures may be grafted. Multiculturalism, in their view, is a negative and divisive feature of Australian society.
Summary of responses to questions posed in the Issues Paper
Government’s role
A significant proportion of respondents agreed that governments should continue to have active policies on cultural diversity. They indicated that Government policies should lead the way towards achieving what is best in the national interest:
Governments have a symbolic and a real responsibility to formulate policies on cultural diversity, to implement programs to enable the evolution of a diverse society and to pass laws that will ensure that all 'citizens’ regardless of race, ethnicity, place of birth, language or religion will enjoy equality. (Josie Black, VIC)
In order to maintain a harmonious and socially cohesive society, there must be consistent messages and actions from government promoting multiculturalism. (Office of Ethnic and Multicultural Affairs, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, QLD)
Equality and equity for all Australians must remain the keystone of community life, and are the responsibility of governments at least to work for, if not guarantee. (Rev Jim Houston, VIC)
People embrace things which appear to address their needs and reject things they think favour others at their expense. We must also be sure that policy is more than rhetoric. If 'fair go’ is inherent in the policy then we must put such values into practice ... If we say we welcome and embrace cultural diversity then we have to behave in ways that show that we do. We have to be sure that this diversity is reflected in policy documents. (Dr Maureen H Fitzgerald, NSW)
Among the reasons for opposing government involvement in this area were suggestions that there is already 'too much social engineering’ in today’s society.
Role of political and community leaders
Many respondents stated that active leadership from political and community leaders is essential in the interests of social cohesion. They said that Australian leaders must instil pride in the community; must have vision and be able to communicate this vision. Respondents urged strong and unambiguous statements on multiculturalism from both sides of politics to reassure, encourage and lead multicultural Australia into the future.
An emerging theme regarding the role of political and community leaders was that they must:
demonstrate equally - leadership and advocacy. (Dr James Jupp, ACT)
set example and be the role models of how all 'citizens’ should behave, in a way which shows respect and pride in fellow citizens. (Australian Arabic Council, VIC)
Democratic institutions
Feedback from the community clearly reflected a strong belief that our democratic institutions and traditions are the foundations upon which our society is built. The institutions of Australian democracy exist for all Australians and are one reason why so many people continue to choose Australia as their home. It is because of these solid foundations that multiculturalism has been able to develop and flourish:
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