FOR PRESS 2 APRIL 1978
ELECTORATE TALK
The current debate in Australia about the integration of
migrants into our society is a most healthy sign. It
demonstrates an increasing awareness of the complex human
problems that are evolving in our multi-cultural society.
Of course, it also helps to highlight the significant and
lasting contribution the migrant community has made to our
national development and of the role it will continue to play.
I believe governments have a special obligation to migrants.
They have a responsibility for keeping in touch with all
community aspiration and needs, but this is all the more
acute where language and cultural differences make
communication more difficult.
We are aware of the special problems that this can cause for
migrants as they seek to build a life for themselves and
their families in all parts of Australia. That is one of
the reasons we recently decided that ethnic liaison officers
senior public servants already working in Government policy
areas would be appointed in all Commonwealth departments
and agencies whose programs and services affect the lives
of migrants.
I have asked the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs,
Mr. McKellar, to proceed urgently with the setting up of this
structure and I am pleased with the work already done.
The ethnic liaison officers will fulfill a vital public service
role. They will be charged with the responsibility to make
sure that all Government services are geared to respond to the
special needs of migrants. More particularly, we wish to make
sure that migrants have equal access to, and information on, the
great variety of services provided through the Commonwealth
Government. On top of that, these officers will have the major task of
considering all policy proposals against the background of the
public impact they may have on migrant communities. They will
be required to report regularly on their findings in relation
to their own Department's performance. / 2
I have called for regular advice on how this initiative is
proceeding and the Chairman of the Public Service Board will
report to me after the initial 12 months period.
The first meeting of the ethnic liaison officers was held
recently. It was attended by some 40 senior officers and
was addressed by the Chairman of the Australian Ethnic Affairs
Council, Professor Zubrzycki.
This undertaking to provide ethnic liaison officers was an
election promise and I will be keeping a close personal
interest on its progress.
The Government is concerned to maximize the effectiveness of
all of our post arrival programs and services for migrants.
We are aware of the significant changes in recent years in
migrant needs and aspirations. For that reason we established
the Galbally Enquiry which I expect to report to the
Government within the next few weeks.
We expect there will be recommendations in many areas,
including initial settlement programs, education, communication
including interpreting and translating and community
based activity through ethnic organisations and resource
centres. This report will be considered by the Government as
a matter of urgency.
meanwhile, initiatives such as the establishment of ethnic
liaison officers in departments provide evidence of the
Government's desire to make sure our migrant community enjoy
their full rights and benefits.
I sought Mr. Galbally's advice on the proposal and functions of
ethnic liaison officers. He supported the proposal and
believed migrants would welcome it.
Australia is a richer and greater country because of the varied
ethnic influences in almost every aspect of our daily life.
As a nation we do owe a debt to our migrant friends.
Continued Government concern and involvement in the welfare of
the migrant community is a responsibility we are determined
to fulfill. 000---