These include a 'fair go', mutual respect, egalitarianism, parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, freedom of religion and expression, equality of opportunity irrespective of race, religion, origin, language, gender, physical or mental capacity or social and economic circumstance, and the rejection of bigotry and prejudice. The Council believes these are strong enough to unite Australians from all backgrounds, particularly when one adds the substantial benefits that diversity brings to our quality of life and our economic well-being. When it prepares its report, the Council's objective will be to advise the Government on policies which will help to maintain an inclusive, cohesive, tolerant and harmonious society while maximising the value we derive from our diversity and minimising any adverse effects. This paper provides background information and raises a range of issues for the future. You are invited to consider the issues raised as well as any others you consider appropriate, and provide the Council with any constructive comments you would like to make. We look forward to your contribution, which will help the Council to take due account of a wide range of community views and feelings before advising the Government on a matter of such fundamental importance to Australia. Neville J. Roach Chairman Introduction The National Multicultural Advisory Council's terms of reference reflect continuing Australian government commitment to addressing the reality of Australia's cultural diversity within the framework of national unity. There is recognition that Australia has a long standing and continuing commitment to a pluralist, diverse, democratic society based on freedom, equality of opportunity, tolerance and peace. As discussed below, 'multiculturalism' has evolved as the dominant bipartisan policy approach to address Australia's cultural diversity since the early 1970s. Since that time significant advances have been made in this area: for example, laws have been enacted; government programs have become more sensitive to the needs of all clients; society has generally embraced diversity in the arts, our lifestyles and cuisine; and we have begun to use cultural diversity for our economic benefit. We have also begun to appreciate how the existence of people from culturally diverse backgrounds in our society provides bridges to other countries and cultures in an increasingly global community. multiculturalism has been a success, this is not to say that the implementation of multicultural policy has been flawless, or that wider community understanding of what the policy means for our national and individual well-being could not be enhanced.
Changing emphases Multicultural policy has continued to evolve over the past decade. Since the 1989 National Agenda there has been a gradual shift in the emphases of the three key areas of multicultural policy set out in the National Agenda. These changes have moved the emphasis of multicultural policy from a somewhat focus to a more inclusive whole-of-community focus. The emphasis of the cultural identity programs has moved from helping migrant communities to maintain their cultural practices to encouraging all Australians to understand each other better and to share their heritage. In recent times there has been a growing awareness, and practice, of the benefits of cultural sharing and understanding. This can be seen, for instance, in many university and TAFE courses on cultural diversity, cross-cultural training courses and the development of diversity plans by business and government. Programs under the social justice area of multicultural policy initially placed most emphasis on the rights of clients who face language and cultural barriers when seeking services. More recently the emphasis has been on practically addressing the needs of clients that arise from cultural and linguistic factors. This new perspective is reflected in changes to the Access and Equity Strategy. In 1996 the Strategy was re-focused as a Charter of Public Service in a Culturally Diverse Society. The main focus of the Charter is the acceptance that a diverse client-base has diverse needs and that mainstream service providers ought to be aware of these needs, and act on this awareness. The aim is to respond to the needs of all clients in an open, way. The economic efficiency area of multicultural policy initially concentrated on the disadvantages that many migrants face in the workplace. These disadvantages are to do with difficulties in the recognition of overseas skills and the language and cultural barriers that migrants can face when looking for a job. Since the early 1990s the emphasis has moved to looking at the economic benefits that can arise directly from a diverse customer base and workforce. The Australian economy is a microcosm of the international marketplace making Australia an excellent test market as well as an ideal location for regional headquarters covering the Asian region. Programs have been developed to promote the use of our linguistic and cultural diversity for the economic benefit of Australia. This has helped to reposition us economically, both in the world and in our region.
They see multicultural policy and programs as giving privileges to non-English-speaking Australians. They accept that an individual's language and culture will shape his or her identity, but see this as strictly a private matter. Shared values Most acknowledge that diversity is a fact of life in Australia, but does not appear to be a consensus about what this means for traditional Australian values. Some say that our traditional values of respect for individual freedoms and giving everyone a 'fair-go' have disposed us to accept differences. In other words, it is our traditional Australian values that underpin multicultural policy and this is why Australians are generally able to accept people whose cultures include different traditions. Others see Australia being confronted by the dilemma of there not appearing to be a binding commitment that can keep Australians united, no common vision or general conviction about the way ahead. They see diversity as risking a damaging breakdown in the values that Australians share. The Council acknowledges that there is a range of opinions on multicultural issues. These will be taken into account in its work. The Council believes that discussion of issues needs to be based on factual information; it is particularly important to examine the core values and principles which Australians support and share as a community. Basic principles underlying multicultural policy The Council believes that our multicultural policy should reflect Australian core values which are central to Australia's liberal democratic traditions and whose relevance is timeless. Australia is, above all, a free and open society; its institutions, values and traditions reflect a compassionate concern for the vulnerable in our society and a firm belief that everyone is entitled to a 'fair go'. The Council believes that these values are rooted deep in our traditions. They are evident in the cultures of the Aboriginal societies which pre-date European settlement. They are also to be found in the egalitarian ethos which underpinned the development of a liberal democratic Australia in the 19th century. This tradition has helped Australia to attract and to welcome so many migrants. This openness has also allowed the country to accept and respect the rights of individuals to live by their own religious and cultural beliefs and customs. The Council believes that this acceptance has helped Australia to develop into a successful multicultural society which, far from being a departure from Australia's traditions, is one of its finest achievements.