1. Australian Multiculturalism James Fox First Assistant Secretary Citizenship, Settlement and Multicultural Affairs Division Department of Immigration and Citizenship Runnymede Trust April 2011

2. As at 2009, of the estimated 22 million people in Australia, one quarter were born overseas Australians identify with more than 270 ancestries Speak over 260 languages, including indigenous languages Nearly 95% of the population are Australian citizens Australia’s migrant population is anticipated to become increasingly diverse Australia Today

3. Australia does not require migrants to leave behind their cultural or religious identity Everyone is supported to maintain a commitment to Australian legal and democratic values, including through acquisition of citizenship The Australian way of life is enhanced, not challenged, by the diversity of cultures, languages, life perspectives and passions Practical multicultural and settlement programs since the 1970s encourage integration, belonging and English language acquisition Diversity welcomed here

4. The Australian narrative is not fixed in the past This evolving narrative is part of normalising diversity within the Australian culture Intentionally developed to be inclusive not a narrative which reflects only the Anglo-Celtic contributions not separate narrative for ethnic communities Policies and programs, including Australia’s new multicultural policy, contribute significantly to this process Constructing the Australian narrative

5. Central to Australia’s approach to multiculturalism is the balance between rights and responsibilities People have the right to enjoy their cultural and religious practices as long as, in doing so, they responsibly uphold Australian law Elements of this approach: citizenship centric bipartisan support Australian values Not by chance

6. Australia’s suite of complementary strategies which deliver humanrights in the Australian context Social Inclusion Agenda Settlement policies and programs Citizenship policies and programs Multicultural policies and programs Australia’s human rights framework

7. Landmark whole-of-government policy Key messages: Australia celebrates and values the benefits of cultural diversity for all Australians within the broader aims of national unity, community harmony and maintenance of our democratic values Australia’s successful multicultural society and our democracy are built around shared rights and responsibilities that are fundamental to living in Australia, as enshrined in our citizenship pledge The People of Australia

8. The four principles of the new multicultural policy are to: celebrate and value Australia’s cultural diversity; strengthen the government's commitment to social inclusion, social cohesion and responsive government services; welcome the trade and investment benefits of Australia’s diversity promote the understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity while responding to attitudes and actions of intolerance Four principles

9. Australian Multicultural Council National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy Strengthened Access and Equity framework Multicultural Arts and Festival Grants Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program Key initiatives

10. Balance between unity and diversity which is constantly monitored and adjusted It’s not just about, and for, minority communities Evolving national narrative is inclusive Part of the Australian Human Rights Framework www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/a-diverse-australia/ Australia’s multiculturalism