Submission as to Ways of protecting and strengthening Australia’s multiculturalism and social inclusion
On 12th May ALHR made submission to the Select Committee on Strengthening Multiculturalism. The committee is to inquire into and report on ways of protecting and strengthening Australia’s multiculturalism and social inclusion.
The protection, promotion and strengthening of Australia’s multiculturalism and policies of social inclusion are integral to Australia’s progress and its stable democratic nature. All marginalised groups, whether indigenous, refugee or immigrant, need to be respected and supported in order to feel part of Australian society. Their manifold contributions to Australia need to be recognised and celebrated. Loyalty develops through an inclusive culture and is undermined by exclusionary activities. ALHR’s submission to the Inquiry provides a brief outline as to how the Australian federal government can lead the way.
We focus on the following issues in the Terms of Reference:
- the impact of discrimination, vilification and other forms of exclusion and bigotry on the basis of ‘race’, colour, national or ethnic origin, culture or religious belief;
- the impact of political leadership and media representation on the prevalence of vilification and other forms of exclusion and bigotry on the basis of ‘race’, colour, national or ethnic origin, culture or religious belief;
- how to improve the expected standards of public discourse about matters of ‘race’, colour, national or ethnic origin, culture or religious belief;
- how to better recognise and value the contribution that diverse communities bring to Australian social and community life; and
- the potential benefits and disadvantages of enshrining principles of multiculturalism in legislation.