Multiculturalism. recent Australian debates and policy statements review
Issue Report
Name
Professor
Institution
Course
Date
Multiculturalism: recent Australian debates and policy statements review
Introduction
Since the 1970’s, there has been a lot of contested concept and policy concerning multiculturalism after being introduced in Australia. There has been a need to ensure that this principle is maintained at all times. Moreover, policy statements of a federal nature have been affecting the multicultural concept. This is because there is a need to that the Australian society is protected. It is also in response to the ever occurring priories that exist in Australia. The issue on multiculturalism began with the purpose of ensuring that immigration matters were dealt with accordingly. Thus, it began as a framework for policy as in Australian there was a society that was extremely diversified as well as ethno-cultural up to date. Since there is a lot of social and security challenges presently, ethno cultural diversity and multiculturalism are subjects that should be addressed (Markus, 2010).
This paper seeks to give an analysis on the policies of multiculturalism that exist in Australia. Also, it focuses on the public debates that have taken place concerning Multiculturalism that is post-immigration.
Background
During the post second world war, the levels of multiculturalism was extremely high especially in the society in Australia. In a bid to address the diversity that is ethno-cultural, the policy and concept of multiculturalism was introduced. Progress was being made to get rid of the 1960’s immigration policies. Immigrants coming to Australia had to become assimilated to cultural practices in Australia as well as learn the English language. More had to be done by the immigrants to ensure that they were not different from the original Australian inhabitants. It became clear that the new Australian immigrants were having a hard time trying to adapt to their new culture. It was also evident that the immigrants could not easily lose their original identities. When compared to Canada, in the 1970’s it seems that Australia lagged behind in multiculturalism. The latter did not embrace multiculturalism as it ought to be like in present times.
In many other countries rather than Australia, a lot of controversy exists concerning multiculturalism. Its critics believe that this concept does not follow the guidelines of precision, and it lacks substance. Immigration settlement in Australia has been facilitated by multicultural policies established by the government and other parties. Some countries in Europe and North America have had many issues concerning multiculturalism and immigration. Currently, assimilation and integration issues concerning immigrants have emerged in the arenas of government and public (Lopez, 2000).
Race relations and culture in Australia has an issue with a historical context. Indigenous people of Australia have not been treated well as they are often viewed as outcasts. They are even denied welfare and other amenities which belong to them rightfully. Indigenous people of Australia are often in the discussions of the Australian Human Rights Commission. Reconciliation is another subject that the commission seeks to achieve in its discussions. Controversy exists concerning the policy context of the multiculturalism rubric that deals with indigenous issues. The Australian multicultural policy is undermined the fact that immigrants are not treated in a proper manner. The policy fails as it does not recognize that the indigenous people are unique and contribute to the development. The challenges that face indigenous people is what needs to be discussed by the policy of multiculturalism.
The Federal level is when the multiculturalism policy in Australia was introduced. Other frame works have been developed by territory governments and the Australian state. Nongovernmental organizations and the community organizations are benefiting from the multicultural policy.
Analysis of the Australian Multicultural policy
The culture, democracy and heritage of Australia are a unique feature that is witnessed in its multiculturalism policies. Cultural, economic and social benefits occur as a result of the national policies that are multicultural. This means that the entire Australian population benefits as well through the policy (Higley & Nieuwenhuysen & Neerup, 2009). People who are different share a structure that institutional and political and they have a bond that is voluntary. The latter is according to the Australian Ethnic Affairs Council. Strategies that have been brought up to bring about multiculturalism are by endorsing celebrations, holidays and cultural festivals, also, encouraging dual citizenship. Other strategies include; encouraging literature as well as art programs, enculturation, and allowing children to dress up in religious/ traditional clothing in school, among others.
The National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia came up with elements for its multicultural policy. This took place in the year 1989, and there were various values and principles. They include ensuring talents and skills are utilized and developed, and even religion, language and individual heritage is expressed. Australia has for a long time been ruled through liberalism and especially during the tenure of John Howard. The latter took control of power from the years 1996 to 2007. He advocated for increased integration, assimilation and cultural unity. In turn, the government became more involved in its efforts to support multiculturalism. Subsequently in the year 1997, the National Multicultural Advisory Council formation took place. More advancement became witnessed in the sectors of pluralist democracy, citizenship and in ensuring Australian values became affirmed (Howard, 2011).
In the year 2003, a policy statement concerning multiculturalism was issued in Australia. It is until the year 2006 that the policy was to exist. Difficulty occurred in trying to use the word multiculturalism when Howard assumed power. The government did not make in efforts to ensure that multiculturalism existed in Australia. Furthermore, in the year 2007, efforts were utilized to scrape the word from the countries immigration department title. It is now known as the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The introduction of test for citizenship was introduced by Howard, and it did not have any relation to multiculturalism. The attempts by Howard were meant to ensure that the Australian national identity did not become associated with multiculturalism (Howard, 2011).
Many political and public debates concerning multiculturalism are due to the recent terrorist threats that are global. They also focus on having a society that is ethno-culturally diverse as well as barriers to achieving social cohesion. The 2007 to 2010 Labor government by Kevin Rudd has advocated for multiculturalism. This is visible from the creation of the National Multicultural Advisory Council and Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services. Some of the latter and former functions include ending racism and encouraging participation that is civic and social.
‘The People of Australia’ is a cultural diversified statement released by the council in the year 2010 in April. It advocates for Australia’s multicultural character to be appreciated by all the citizens. Furthermore, it gives recommendations which must be followed and implemented by the government. It has also established a bipartisan body that is independent as well as permanent. The latter will seek to focus on policies through proper consultation and advising. Australia wants to have a strategy that focuses on multiculturalism and it will be national. Other strategies include meeting the needs of refugees and vulnerable migrants, advocating against anti-racism among others. Lastly it seeks to come up with programs and policies that focus on removing linguistic and cultural barriers. Currently, Australians are not sure whether the Labor government of Gillard is involved in multiculturalism issues. It seems that he wants to undermine the efforts of the former government of Rudd.
The multicultural territory policies are in various Australian states, and they are extremely active. When the 1990’s reached every state in Australia made an effort to advocate for cultural diversity (Modood, 2007). This is through establishing bodies to deal with multiculturalism. They states all have approaches which are different as they have different requirements that vary depending on the immigrants in their state. Victoria and New South Wales are jurisdictions that are extremely populous. Most of the migrants live in the two states; in tight knit communities. Their policy frameworks on multiculturalism are extremely long standing.
The Community Relations Commission has a mandate over the New South Wales Multicultural policy. Before it was known as Ethnic Affairs Commission of New South Wales. In the year 1979, the EAC was given government authority that is permanent. The need to implement the EAC is what leads to its formation. The NSW main purpose is to ensure that cultural heritage is preserved this is achievable through the provision of equitable and accessible opportunities to people. It also caters to the needs of the various linguistic and cultural groups. This is for the purpose of promoting the NSW political, social and economic system.
On the other hand, the Victorian Multicultural Commission is responsible for implementing its multicultural policy. In the year 1983, it was formed through a statutory authority that is independent (Koleth, 2010). It focused on ensuring that the ethnic polices, and affairs were discussed and a solution found. It also sorts to find a way of making resources available to the community through the assistance of the government. The Victorian strategy wants to ensure that communication is enhanced between all the stakeholders. All the communities in Victoria must adhere to the policy by ‘A Fairer Victoria’.
The attacks that took place in the United States known as the September 11th have had an impact on Australia. It made the latter be aware that they were not spared from suffering from the same fate as that of America. The issue of asylum seekers was brought up by Peter Keith once as defense minister. He believed that a relationship exists between terrorism and asylum seekers. Islam, and terrorism are assumed to go hand in hand with each other and this is portrayed by the media. This has lead to enmity and division between Australians and those from the Muslim and Arab countries.
Recommendations
The Australian government needs to do a lot concerning the matter on multiculturalism. It should come up with policies and programs that are aimed at making Australian. Consultations should be made by all the relevant body to ensure that the message on multiculturalism is put across. People should learn how to accommodate each other regardless on their differences such as race and religion. There is a lot of public anxiety in North America, Europe and Australia concerning ethno-cultural diversity. Community integration should be achieved through focusing on the issues that affect it. This is the reason why there are multicultural policies that are attracting a lot of debate. If the issue is not handled well, it might lead to social cohesion and the inhibition of integration. In turn, the latter might lead to segregation in the various communities. Many theorists have for years tried to find a reason why this multiculturalism praxis is taking place. The issue on multiculturalism is related to other matters such as human rights, religion and culture. Liberal, secular democracies are part of this issue, and there is a need to find its relevance and meaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the aim and mission of the Australian multicultural policy has changed with time. Since its inception, the problem of cultural diversity, asylum seekers and ethno diversity has not been solved. Many policies have been implemented, but they do not seem to change the segregation that exists among the communities. Public disclosure awareness has indeed influenced the thinking of many Australians whereby they know the significance of multiculturalism. More positive results should be achieved from cultural diversity, whereby there will no longer be segregations. Australians will now live in peace with each other, without having to fear about safety and social cohesion.
References
Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA). FECCA policies. Retrieved 16 November 2011 from HYPERLINK “http://www.fecca.org.au/Policies.cfm” http://www.fecca.org.au/Policies.cfm
Australian Government, Multicultural Australia: united in diversity: updating the 1999 New agenda for multicultural Australia: strategic directions for 2003‐2006, Canberra, 2003, viewed 16 November 2011, http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/settle/_pdf/united_diversity.pdf
Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA), Report on the review of settlement services for migrants and humanitarian entrants, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, May 2003, viewed 16 November 2011, http://www.immi.gov.au/living‐in‐australia/delivering‐assistance/government‐programs/settlement‐policy/review‐settlement‐services.htm
Howard, J. (Prime Minister), Transcript of the Prime Minister The Hon John Howard MP, Press Conference, Parliament House, Canberra, media release, Canberra, 23 January 2007, viewed 16 November 2011, http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2FYR0M6%2
Lopez, M. (2000). The origins of multiculturalism in Australia politics 1945–1975. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press, Carlton South.
Castles, S. & Miller, M. (2009). The age of migration: international population movements in the modern world, (4th edition), London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Modood, T. (2007). Multiculturalism–a civic idea. Cambridge: Polity Press.
Higley, J. & Nieuwenhuysen. J. & Neerup, S. (2009). Nations of immigrants: Australia and the USA compared, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.
Jupp, J. (2007). From White Australia to Woomera, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Koleth, E. (2010). Multiculturalism: a review of Australian policy statements and recent debates in Australia and overseas. Parliamentary Library Research Paper No. 6, 2010-11, Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 16 November 2011 from HYPERLINK “http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/2010-11/11rp06.pdf” http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/2010-11/11rp06.pdf
.
Markus, A. (2010). Mapping Social Cohesion. The Scanlon Foundation Surveys. Summary Report, VIC: Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements, Scanlon Foundation & Australian Multicultural Foundation. Retrieved 16 November 2011 from http://www.globalmovements.monash.edu.au/socialcohesion/documents/Mapping Social Cohesion Summary Report 2010.pdf
