PRIME MINISTER 94/ 94
MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER TO MEMBERS OF THE
NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL, TO MARK THE
COUNCIL'S INAUGURAL MEETING: 26 OCTOBER 1994
I thank you for agreeing to serve on the National Multicultural Advisory
Council. The task ahead is a very important one for members. I look forward
to the Council's contributions to the Government's efforts to achieve further
advances in our multicultural agenda.
We are a truly multicultural society, and deeply conscious of the fact.
Importantly, there is a widespread view in Australia today that multiculturalism
is a positive thing.
However, it would not be wise simply to rest on the achievements of the past
we must build on them.
To do this we need to re-assess our current policies and what our priorities
are for the future.
A re-assessment of our multicultural policies is of central importance to
Australians as we debate the relevant social, economic and political issues of
today including the issues related to national identity.
The formation of the Council comes at a critical time in this debate. I place
great importance on your task of updating the National Agenda for a
Multicultural Australia.
I look forward to hearing your views about the policy relevance of
multicultural issues leading to the year 2000 and beyond and wish you well in
your work.
PJ KEATING
CANBERRA
NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
TERMS OF REFERENCE
1994-95
TERIMS OF REFERENCE
NAi mu( m r I
The Council has a mandate to:
provide advice to the Prime Minister on policies and programs under the National Agenda for a
Multicultural Australia, including matters referred to the Council by the Prime Minister;
advise on the cultural diversity elements of the Centenary of Federation and the Sydney 2000
Olympics, and develop and maintain appropriate working relations with relevant bodies on
these issues including the Centenary of Federation Advisory Committee, the Sydney Olympic
Organising Committee and the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.
promote, through education and discussion ( particularly at the local community level), a more
complete understanding by Australians of the existing and potential benefits of the diversity of
contemporary Australia; and
In cairying out its mandate the Council is to consult widely, including at the local community level.
NiEMBER4 OF THE
NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Hon Mick Youngp AO Chairman NSW
Mr Joseph Assaf NSW
Professor Cora Baldock WA
Professor Stephen Castles NSW
Ms Helen Cattaliru WA
Mr Martin Ferguson VIC
Ms Carmel Guerra VIC
Mr Tac Tar Lam NT
Mr Laj Marinos, OAM NSW
Mr Giancarlo Martini-Piovano VIC
The Hon Ian Macphee, AO VIC
Mr Prakash vfrchandani NrT
Mr Saleh Parkar, QAM TAS
Mr Noel Pearson QLD
Ms Janet Powell VIC
Mr Vic Rebikoff, OAM ACT
Mrs Heather Ridout NSW
Mr Kevin Sheedy VIC
Ms Helene Teichrann VIC
Mr Henry Tsang, QAM NSW
Dr My-Van Tran, OAM SA
Ms Agnes Whiten QLD
Mr Harry Zacharoyannis SA
'( EI RLAE Paniamen[ toue ., anuerra e, o
Senator Nick Bolkus ( 06) 27 78o
MINULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Former Immigration Ministr , If. ck Young will chair a new Multicultural Advisory Council
launched today by the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
Senator Nick Bolkus.
* he role of the Multicultural Advisory Council ( MAC) will be to advise the Government
on how to advance muldcultural policies into the 21st Century, and ensure that we maximise
all its benefits, Senator Boikus said.
* In particular, it will have a role in advising the Government on the cultural diversity
dimension of the Centenary of Federation in 2001 and the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
" I am very pleased chat Mick Young has accepted the position of chairperson, bringing to
it his knowledge and experience as a former Minister responsible for Multiculrural Affairs.
The appointment of the 23 members of the MAC was ba-s. 5 on their significant personal and
professional achievements, and their own contribution to multicultural debate. Drawn from
all over Australia, they represent the breadth of the impact multiculturalisr has had on our
lives from academia and the workplace to the media and sport.
' Much has been achieved since the Government produced its National Agenda for a
Multicultural Ausralia five years ago," Senator Bolkus said.
' Today, multiculturalism is a way of life. The benefits of our cultural diversity are being
experienced in every walk of life.
' The MAC will play an important role in ensuring that a wide range of views from the
Community are reresented and considered in the policy debate, promote cooperation between
bodies concerned with ethnic affain and multicultural issues, and foster a better
understanding of multicultural Australia.
MAC members have been appointed for a three-year term and the Council is cxpected to
mee for the first time in Sydney in late August.
A full list of members and their biographical details are attached.
CANBERRA JULY 26 1994
Contact: Ruth Dcwsbury ( 06) 277 7860
Aik MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND ETHNIC
A-AIRS AND MINISTER ASSISTING THE PRIME
MNISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS