The Federation of Ethnic CommunityCouncils defines Multiculturalism as follow:

Multiculturalism acknowledges, acceptsand respects the cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity ofcontemporary Australia.It acknowledges the unique position of our indigenous Australians as FirstNation people.

Multiculturalism provides a framework forthe just and equitable access to national resources, inclusive decision-making,and the rights of all to live without fear of prejudice, discrimination andvilification.

Multiculturalism recognises and promotesthe socio-economic potential of diversity and facilitates and supportsparticipation of all Australians in building a strong, harmonious and faircommunity.

Encouraging young Australian of allbackgrounds to think creatively about diversity has the potential of cementinglong lasting advocacy for Multiculturalism.

TheChinese Australian Forum partnered with B’nai B’rith in 2005 in conducting anannual Posters Competition with the theme “Moving Forward Together” as part ofthe Harmony Day program. In 2007 CAF become a sponsor and the Poster Competitorreceived more than 3,000 entries from school across NSW. Winning posters wereexhibited at the NSW Parliament House and various local council chambers andlibraries.

Background

Australia is a very culturally diverse nation withjust under a quarter of our nation born overseas, and nearly half of our nationborn overseas or with one parent born overseas.

Over 16% of Australians speak a languageother than English at home including indigenous languages. Australians comefrom more than 200 different ancestries and speak more than 300 differentlanguages at home. Immigration has been a constant in Australia sinceEuropean settlement. Cultural diversity has been a prominent feature of theAustralian population for many decades.

Increasingly significant numbers ofskilled migrants from Asia and the Indian region, and smaller numbers ofrefugees from Africa, the Middle East and Asiaare adding further layers to our mosaic of cultural, linguistic and faithdiversity.

On the whole Australia has effectively managedthis cultural diversity with proactive and positive multicultural policies thathave fostered social inclusion and embraced cultural, linguistic and faithdiversity. These policies have always stipulated that multiculturalism requiresan overriding commitment to Australiaincluding its underlying democratic and legal framework.

However, challenges in areas such assettlement, social inclusion, economic participation, employment, education,English language training, health, housing and discrimination remain acute formany migrant and refugee communities.

Australia’s last multicultural policy, the HowardGovernment’s Multicultural AustraliaUnited in Diversity (2003-2006) expired in 2006. A new multiculturaladvisory body was established by the Rudd Government in late 2008.

The time has also come to update andrefresh our multicultural policy to ensure that Australia’s cultural and linguisticdiversity continues to be a positive experience for most Australians. Ourcultural diversity demands a contemporary multicultural policy to manage ourdiversity. Such a policy can continue to drive our nation forward as a prosperousand inclusive society for all regardless of one’s cultural, religious or ethnicbackground.

More About fecca's Multiculturalism Policy

Multiculturalismwas celebrated by Governments with great conviction in the 70s and 90s, butenthusiasm by way of advocacy and funding appear to have waned in the 90s and00’s.

Chinese Australian Forum organised aseminar on “Immigration and Multiculturalism” with keynote address given byParliamentary Secretary Laurie Ferguson and a panel of experts. The seminarattracted more than 100 members and guests.

ChineseAustralian Forum will monitor with great interest the words and deeds of thecurrent Federal and Governments on revitalising Multiculturalism in celebratingthe cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity of contemporaryAustralia