Page 2823 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 11 October 2022
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MS CHEYNE (Ginninderra-Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Business and Better Regulation, Minister for Human Rights and Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (11.35): I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
I am pleased to introduce the Multiculturalism Bill 2022, and I acknowledge the presence in the chamber of members of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Multiculturalism and Multicultural Affairs, including the chair, John Kalokerinos, and Ms Shobha Varkey. I extend a very warm welcome to you and thank you for all of your contributions in bring us to where we are today.
How incredibly fortunate we are to be a part of this rapidly growing and changing ACT community, from the privilege of sharing the lands of the ACT’s First Peoples and the importance of their heritage and ongoing custodianship to the diversity of cultures, languages, faiths and religions of all of us who have made Canberra our home.
Canberra’s growth over the past few years has meant we are now more diverse than ever before, and our diversity continues to increase with every new Canberran who makes this city their home. People have come here from other parts of Australia and all over the world to study, to work, to seek refuge or to build a new life.
Recently released data from the 2021 census identified the ACT as having the fastest-growing population in Australia, largely due to overseas migration. Indeed, 28.7 per cent of people living in Canberra were born overseas and a similar percentage speak a language other than English at home. A further 30 per cent have a parent born overseas. This increasing diversity and pace of change brings with it many opportunities as well as some important challenges.
Diversity benefits us with new ideas, skills, knowledge and experiences, which have been integral in shaping Canberra’s identity. Interactions between people from different backgrounds can lead to greater understanding and respect for one another. However, we cannot ignore existing inequities in society which occur on the basis of skin colour, culture, language, migration status, religion, gender, sexual orientation or ability.
Regardless of our background and experiences, we all share common aspirations. We want to live in a safe and secure environment where there are opportunities to participate, thrive and be recognised for our contributions. The benefits and rewards of a culturally and linguistically diverse ACT will only come through conscious and continuous efforts to accept and embrace diversity by government and the wider community.
Addressing racism, encouraging genuine connection, acceptance and inclusion, and ensuring equitable access to opportunities and services requires the explicit recognition and statement of our values as a jurisdiction. It also requires tangible accountability measures for government and non-government entities to ensure that these values are upheld.
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