RGY PRIME MINISTER
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY EMBARGOED UNTIL DELIVERY
SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER
FEDERATION OF ETHNIC COMMUNITIES' COUNCILS OF AUSTRALIA
CANBERRA 30 NOVEMBER 1988
in the early days of this year of our Bicentenary, on 26
January, I launched the nation's Australia Day celebrations
with these words about the Australian identity:
" We are, and essentially we remain, a nation of
immigrants a nation drawn from 130 nationalities
in Australia there is no hierarchy of descent: there
must be no privilege of origin. The commitment is all.
The commitment to Australia is the only thing needful to
be a true Australian."
Today, as we approach the end of this year of Bicentennial
celebrations, you have given me the pleasure of addressing
this conference which has adopted as its theme my words of
Australia Day.
Multiculturalism is indeed all about commitment to
Australia. So I congratulate today not only the Federation of Ethnic
Communities' Councils of Australia for devoting your efforts
at this conference to analysing the nature of that
commitment; I congratulate also the efforts, over many
years, by your constituent councils throughout Australia to
help those millions of Australians they represent to realise
that commitment.
Above all else, our Bicentenary has been a celebration of
our identity as a nation of diverse ethnic origins
Aboriginal, immigrant and Australian-born sharing a common
commitment to Australia.
Australia's national identity has been shaped by our convict
and colonial origins, by the often tragic relationship over
the last two hundred years between the Aboriginal people and
the European newcomers, by successive waves of immigrants
from all over the world, and by the hard work of generations
of Australian-born men and women. 3941
I The pr ir
Over two hundred years, and through extraordinary effort and Irupt
commitment, we have together built a wealthy and prosperous. shoi
nation; young, strong, dynamic and vibrant; a nation capable Opp,
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democratic freedoms and our individual liberties. I
Within this Australia, four out of ten Australians are lat
immigrants or the children of immigrants. Half of them are has
from non-English speaking backgrounds. Two million inc
Australians speak a language other than English at home. gra
Less than half the population is of pure Anglo-celtic ug 1
ancestry. Almost one in four Australians has no such I d
ancestry. the
So let us proclaim from this Congress the demographic fact We
that we are a multicultural nation, But let us proclaim too in'
that we are multicultural not only in character but in det
outlook; multicultural not only by fact of demography but by prt
virtue of philosophical choice. mul no
It is to express that choice that this Government
implements, across a broad range of areas, its policies of At
multiculturalism. These policies celebrate our cultural mo
diversity and harness it in the interest of individuals and am
of the broader community they are policies to ensure that un
our diversity is accompanied by social cohesion, a fair go cr
and a fair share for all. In other words, they are t
multicultural policies for all Australians. in
Over the post war years, support for Government policies on
the selection and settlement of new migrants in AustraliaI
has been proudly and consistently bipartisan. fi it
More recently, bipartisan support for a completely
non-discriminatory immigration policy has been one of the p,
great achievements of modern Australian political k
leadership; a triumph of principle over populism, reason d
over fear, statesmanship over politics. 0
That achievement has been accompanied,. also on a bipartisan r
basis, by the development and articulation of a rich andf
unique multicultural ethos. Diversity has increasingly been
seen as a national resource, offering substantial cultural,
social and economic benefits for all Australians.
But if there is one regret that I will take from this
Bicentennial year, it is the collapse I hope it will be
only a temporary collapse of bipartisan support for the
principles of multiculturalism and of a truly
non-discriminatory immigration policy. These two great
features of our contemporary nationhood have, most
regrettably, been undermined, in a year and at a time when
they deserved our greatest affirmation.
3 142
The web of consensus that protected and fostered these
principles for so long, has been tragically and dramatically
ruptured by some members of the Opposition parties who
should have had the wisdom to avoid that rupture. The
Opposition parties have allowed the extreme views of a
minority to fuel the same groundless fears and prejudices
that spawned the White Australia policy so many decades ago.
In doing so they have, directly or indirectly, fuelled the
latent racism of a hostile minority in the community. There
has been, during the period of this debate, a disturbing
increase in the occurrence of racist incidents abuse,
graffiti, broken windows, slashed tyres. I know of these
ugly incidents, and you know of them even more directly than
I do because some of you have been on the receiving end of
the hatred of this abhorrent minority.
we may regret these developments but we will not be
intimidated by them. On the contrary, they have steeled our
determination to continue a non-discriminatory immigration
program. They have made more absolute our commitment to
multicultural policies. I pledge to you that there will be
no return to the past.
At the commencement of the current Parliamentary session I
moved a resolution in the House of Representatives in which,
among other points, the House gave " its unambiguous and
unqualified commitment to the principle that, whatever
criteria are applied by Australian Governments in exercising
their sovereign right to determine the composition of the
immigration intake, race or ethnic origin shall never,
explicitly or implicitly, be among them."
I have noticed recently that the Opposition Leader, Mr
Howard, has attempted to deny the racist overtones of his
intervention in the immigration-debate. He was reported
recently as regretting that to use his words his
political, media and other enemies had linked him with some
kind of discriminatory attack on Australians of Asian
descent. Of course I have never believed that Mr Howard was
personally motivated by any calculation darker than a grab
for votes.
But at its most charitable, it appears Mr Howard has
suffered a major memory loss.
Back in August, he was explicit. Asked about the rate of
Asian immigration, he said: " I wouldn't like to see it
greater... I do believe that in the eyes of some in the
community, it's too great, it would be in our immediate term
interest and supportive of social cohesion if it were slowed
down a little, so that the capacity of the community to
absorb was greater." 3 91 43
Following those comments the opposition changed its policy L
on immigration. And John Stone, when he was asked whether d
that new policy would mean fewer Asians entering Australia, e
said: V e
" If we've gone through this four or five weeks of s
absolute turmoil in order to have nothing changed, what C
a lot of goats we'd look, wouldn't we." F
Interviewer: " So you think that the bottom line is. Ak
fewer Asians? d-
Stone: " That is so."
But despite all this, if Mr Howard now genuinely seeks to c
reassure the Australian community that his policy in t
immigration is non-discriminatory, I would welcome such a S
statement as a major step towards the restoration of M1
bipartisanship on this crucial area. 0 e
In particular I would welcome his support, belated though it
would be, for the August Parliamentary resolution. I note T
in passing that it is clear from what Malcolm Fraser said c
again on this issue on the radio this morning that, were he b
still leading the Liberal Party, he would have given that
support whole-heartedly. W y
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My Government will continue our development of multicultural ml
policies. These policies have three essential components:
social justice, economic efficiency and cultural expression. AA
The social jutice dimension of multiculturalism seeks to
ensue 1tjAi structures and practices of Australian c
society reflect and respond to the diversity of the
population, that they serve all Australians and provide
equally for all, regardless of background. we do not demand t
conformity as the price for equity or equality. A s
I do not, nor I believe do you, ask any unfair advantage for I
immigrants. We do not seek special preference for ethnic t
groups. Rather multicultural policies seek equal d
opportunity for all. c
The economic dimension of multiculturalism seeks to ensure
that e s lls and talents of all Australians are utilised q
and harnessed in the interests of all of us that our human
resources are not wasted by barriers of language,
indifference or prejudice.
The cultural dimension of the policy asserts and seeks to
ensure thatall Australians are free to develop, adapt and
share their individual cultural heritage.
tf
3 944
Let me emphasise that such a commitment is not a recipe for
division or discord. The Government has said quite
explicitly that there are limits to cultural autonomy. In
view of some recent regrettable incidents involving the
expression in Australia of ethnic tensions that characterise
some of the countries from which Australian migrants have
come, let me spell these limits out again.
First, all Australians must accept the basic structures of
Australian society our rule of law, Parliamentary
democracy, and English as our national language.
Second, multiculturalism entails both rights and
responsibilities. The right to maintain and develop one's
culture, language and religion and, just as importantly,
the responsibility to accept the rights of others to do the
same lies at the very heart of multicultural philosophy.
Multiculturalism offers each of us the opportunity to have
our traditions accepted, and our viewpoints heard: it asks
each of us to accept that others have equal rights.
Third, all Australians are expected to have an overriding
commitment to the future of our nation. we will not allow,
because we can not allow, the bitter conflicts of the old
world to tarnish the lustre of multiculturalism in the new
world. It is this understanding upon which the title of
your Congress is premised.
within these clear limits multiculturalism Australian
multiculturalism can provide a model of tolerance and
social harmony to the rest of the world. It allows all
Australians, whether Aboriginal, immigrant or
Australian-born, to take pride in their history and.
traditions. it asks all Australians to contribute their
culture to our unique and developing national identity.
in this context, I must mention the report of the Committee
the Government established last year to advise on
Australia's immigration policy. AS the CAMIP Report is
still being considered by Cabinet, I am constrained in what
I should say today although at this stage I anticipate
that Senator Ray will be announcing the results of our
deliberations shortly. Although the CAAMP Committee made a
sterling attempt to address a very complex issue, it did not
come to grips with some of the hard, central questions about
immigration, such as the points test and overseas
qualifications. So let me simply say this: there have always been two
great, and sometimes overlapping, streams in Australian
immigration, both pre-war and post-war. There have been
immigrants who came here because we needed them, such as
skilled workers with vital expertise and experience, and
those who came here because they needed us, such as refugees
fleeing oppression in their home countries. 3 94
our skilled migrants have brought their families, and those
family members themselves have frequently brought new
skills. The popular dichotomy between skilled and family
immigration is often exaggerated and short-sighted for
example, economic immigrants are less likely to be attracted
to Australia if it means separation from their families.
That is not to say that we should not shape the immigration
intake to our national interest to do otherwise would be
irresponsible, to all concerned. what I do say is that our
program will remain balanced. we live in difficult economic
times requiring compromise and restraint on all sides
and our immigration policy must reflect Australia's need to
deepen its skills base.
But I give this commitment. We will continue to give proper
weight within our overall immigration program to family
reunions. Let me add, too, that under our national policy on
languages, we are equally concerned with maintaining and
promoting second language learning not just for the ethnic
communities but for all Australians.
I want to make it clear that second language learning will
remain a balanced program as long as this Government is in
office. There will be no artificial distinction made
between economic and community languages, or between Asian
and non-Asian languages. The fact is, as delegates to this
Congress know well, that many community languages such as
Italian, Spanish, Chinese, German and Arabic are also
vital for our economic future.
Finally, let me make some brief comments about the Special
Broadcasting Service SBS.
Australia is unique in the world in having two national
broadcasters, the ABC and SBS. Amalgamation is off the
agenda, but that is not the end of the question.
We have recently guaranteed SBS's real level of funding for
the next three years. And in the public discussion paper
issued a few months ago, we proposed a possible package
which, if adopted, would guarantee and secure the future of
SBS in the long-term -beyond the life of this and the next
Government. That package includes, for the first time, a legislative
base for SBS, a defined charter, administrative
streamlining, and more flexible funding arrangements. I
emphasise that it is a total package, not a menu of
alternatives. It is still subject to community views and to
final consideration by Cabinet.
I would urge you, however, to look at the package seriously,
responsibly and dispassionately, lest a great opportunity to
secure the future of SES is lost. In this very real sense
the future of SES is in your hands in how you respond to
the option that has been put before you.
3A946(
Ladies and gentlemen
In all the relevant policy areas from job creation to
employment training, from education to income support, from
language policy to communications policy our specific
policies of assistance and our broader economic and social
justice policies have served all members of our culturally
diverse community. We have a record of which to be proud.
But what of the future? Let me take this opportunity to
foreshadow my Government's plans and intentions as they
directly affect those Australians whose interests you
represent. First, we will press on with the access and equity strategy.
We will ensure that it secures a firm place in the
priorities and planning of all Government departments and
agencies. I have asked the Office of multicultural Affairs
to work closely with these bodies, and with community
organisations, to ensure that adequate consultation can take
place. Second, we will ensure that Australians of non-English
speaking background, and in particular women who face a
double disadvantage, gain equitably from the broad range of
social justice initiatives that will continue to distinguish
my Government.
Third, with your support we will do everything within our
power to secure the integrity, financial viability, and
long-term security and independence of the SBS with an
unequivocal commitment to its distinctive multicultural,
multilingual character.
Fourth, we will work to ensure that all Australians get the
chance to learn English to a level at which they can
contribute their education and skills to our economic
advancement. Fifth, we will continue to fund and promote a balanced
program of second language learning languages that we need
for our economic future, for the efficient delivery of
social welfare, and for the celebration of our cultural
diversity. Sixth, we will soon announce the blueprint for our
immigration policies to the year 2000 and beyond it will
be a balanced strategy, reflecting the needs of both the
individual family and the broader economic imperative.
we will continue to resist those who would contaminate the
program, and impugn Australia, with their appeals to
prejudice and fear. We will not turn back. 394 7
Seventh, we will tackle head on the inequities and
inefficiencies that have previously plagued the recognition
of overseas qualifications. I am pleased to announce today,
for the first time, that the issue of overseas
qualifications has recently been added to the Structural
Adjustment Committee's agenda for micro-economic reform.
Eighth, we will actively promote citizenship. We will
encourage non-citizens to make that final commitment to our
nation voluntarily, and promote a better understanding of
the rights and responsibilities of citizenship amongst all
Australians. We reject, absolutely, the idea of forcing
people to take up citizenship. We reject, equally, the idea
that we should make those who wish to become Australian
citizens wait longer to do so.
And, finally, perhaps most important of all, in 1989 we will
complete preparation of the National Agenda for a
Multicultural Australia.
These eight goals offer the promise of Australia becoming an
even richer and more dynamic multicultural society in the
decade ahead.
On behalf of my Government I have already accepted those
eight goals. I welcome the support that has come from the
states and territories but tragically, the Federal
Opposition has not yet responded to the proposed goals. Its
leader continues to reject commitment to a multicultural
Australia the very word offends him, and has been expunged
from his vocabulary.
No matter. The National Agenda for a Multicultural
Australia will establish the Government's policy directions
to the year 2000 and beyond. It will become a major part of
the broader agenda for our next term in office.
The National Agenda has the potential to communicate
multiculturalism to the broader Australian community. If
multiculturalism is a policy for all Australians as it
indeed is then any image or perception that it is an
ethnic monopoly must be resisted.
That is why the National Agenda consultations have
deliberately reached out to the broader Australian
community. It is also why we must continually stress the
social justice and particularly the economic dimensions of
multicultural policies that they reflect mainstream
Australian philosophies and that they seek to harness the
skills and talents of all Australians in pursuit of the
national interest.
Let me, therefore, in declaring this conference open,
congratulate the Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia,
and wish you well in your second congress. Together we have
achieved much in recent years. Much still remains to be
done. With your support we can.
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