In a historical national campaign, over 100 key organisations and individuals across Australia have signed in support of "Reclaim Multiculturalism" statement which calls for urgent action for multiculturalism as a national Australian policy.
The organisations represent diverse sectors and include the AFL Multicultural Program, Netball Australia, The Australian Human Rights Commission, Museums Australia, The National Council of Churches in Australia, peak religious bodies from Islamic, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist faiths, Australian Education Union, state ethnic peaks and women's organisations including the Country Women's Association of Australia and health groups such as Multicultural Mental Health Australia.
Prominent individuals who supported the statement include Rt. Hon. Mr Malcolm Fraser, author Randa Abdel-Fattah, actor Lex Marinos and Neville Roach.
The public campaign is the initiative of the Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) which is the peak national body for multicultural Australians. This effort is undertaken in face of the fact that the last national multicultural policy in Australia expired in 2006. Currently there is a national policy vacuum in this arena.
The full list of the supporting organisations for the "Reclaim Multiculturalism" campaign was unveiled at a press conference in Sydney this morning.
In a statement of support from Sir William Deane which was read out at the conference, he said, "True multiculturalism, based on mutual understanding, respect and acceptance, is undoubtedly the most effective way of combating the evil of racism. It also provides the basis of our national unity and decency."
Australia's rising cricket star, Usman Khawaja, spoke on video about his Pakistani background and his pride at calling Australia his home. He said, "My faith and my culture is part of who I am. Australia, my cricket and my mates are also part of my life. I do not choose between them, they all make me the person I am."
NSW Minister for Citizenship John Hatzistergos congratulated FECCA on the campaign and voiced the NSW Government's support for multiculturalism.
"Multiculturalism is not just an abstract ideal," he said.
"It benefits us as a community, as an economy and as a democracy.
"That is why the NSW Government has enshrined multiculturalism in legislation - in the Community Relations Commission and Principles of Multiculturalism Act 2000."
Dr. John Hewson said, "Australia's greatest achievement, and therefore our most valuable national asset, is the creation and development of a tolerant, multi-racial, multi-cultural society. It distinguishes and defines us as a nation. It is the essence of our nation."
FECCA's National Multicultural Agenda was released at the conference. This proposes a national policy based on 11 principles which include the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Australians, equality of all cultures and the responsibility of all Australians to engage in cross and intercultural efforts. The comprehensive policy makes 55 recommendations across key sectors of government to ensure that all Australians will have equality.
Ms Maria Vamvakinou, Federal Member for Calwell, who spoke on video, said "We must embrace the many significant contributions of multiculturalism and move beyond the disparagement and distortions." She also announced plans for the formation of a parliamentary Friends of Multiculturalism group to initiate a bi partisan discussion about multiculturalism.
The Chair of FECCA, Pino Migliorino, called for continuing community action and said, "It is time to stop the white anting of multiculturalism. But putting it down on paper is not enough. All Australians need to act and to resist the vilification of cultural diversity."
Juliana Nkrumah, founder of African Women Australia Inc who also spoke at the event said that the recognition of culture is the bedrock of Australia's harmonious society.
Due to the strong and ongoing support for the public campaign, FECCA intends to continue the call for a National Multicultural Agenda which recognises that managing cultural diversity is essential to Australia's capacity to remain the lucky country. The public campaign will involve further steps including community forums and public lectures in partnership with key institutions.
For comments contact: Pino Migliorino 0411 137 700 or FECCA 02 6282 5755 / 0435 270 962.
