Andrew
February 17th, 2011, 01:20 AM
Recently, political leaders in Germany, the UK, France and the Netherlands have publicly stated that "multiculturalism" has failed and never should have been adopted, as a policy.
In Australia, however, the government has just announced that "multiculturalism" is GREAT and we need more of it!
This says a lot about the quality of politicians in Australia, and the state of public "discourse" on these matters (i.e. - it's absolutely terrible.)
Here's just one media report on this - it's all over the news at the moment....
Govt presents new multiculturalism policy
Andrea Hayward
February 16, 2011 - 9:34PM
AAP
A new advisory body will champion multiculturalism as the federal government seeks to ensure Australia's unique model endures, in the face of religious extremism.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen a Multicultural Advisory Council will be set up as an independent advisory body, with broader terms of reference than the current advisory council.
"The new body will act as a champion for multiculturalism in the community, will advise the government on multicultural affairs and will help ensure Australian government services respond to the needs of migrant and refugee communities," Mr Bowen said in a speech at the Sydney Institute on Wednesday.
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A National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy will also be established to design and deliver - and deliver an anti-racism strategy.
"While much good work has been done in Australia over many decades, we must continue to work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination," Mr Bowen said.
Mr Bowen said while it appeared it was fashionable around the world to declare multiculturalism was dead or to blame for crime and terrorism, Australia's model was unique.
Respect for Australian values, citizenship centred multiculturalism and bipartisan support had resulted in "the genius of Australian multiculturalism," he said.
If Australia was to be free and equal then it will be multicultural, Mr Bowen said.
"But if it is to be multicultural, Australia must remain free and equal."
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/govt-presents-new-multiculturalism-policy-20110216-1awib.html
In Australia, however, the government has just announced that "multiculturalism" is GREAT and we need more of it!
This says a lot about the quality of politicians in Australia, and the state of public "discourse" on these matters (i.e. - it's absolutely terrible.)
Here's just one media report on this - it's all over the news at the moment....
Govt presents new multiculturalism policy
Andrea Hayward
February 16, 2011 - 9:34PM
AAP
A new advisory body will champion multiculturalism as the federal government seeks to ensure Australia's unique model endures, in the face of religious extremism.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen a Multicultural Advisory Council will be set up as an independent advisory body, with broader terms of reference than the current advisory council.
"The new body will act as a champion for multiculturalism in the community, will advise the government on multicultural affairs and will help ensure Australian government services respond to the needs of migrant and refugee communities," Mr Bowen said in a speech at the Sydney Institute on Wednesday.
Advertisement: Story continues below
A National Anti-Racism Partnership and Strategy will also be established to design and deliver - and deliver an anti-racism strategy.
"While much good work has been done in Australia over many decades, we must continue to work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination," Mr Bowen said.
Mr Bowen said while it appeared it was fashionable around the world to declare multiculturalism was dead or to blame for crime and terrorism, Australia's model was unique.
Respect for Australian values, citizenship centred multiculturalism and bipartisan support had resulted in "the genius of Australian multiculturalism," he said.
If Australia was to be free and equal then it will be multicultural, Mr Bowen said.
"But if it is to be multicultural, Australia must remain free and equal."
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/govt-presents-new-multiculturalism-policy-20110216-1awib.html