Government welcomes 2020 Cultural Diversity Forum
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, today welcomed the Australian Multicultural Foundation and Cultural Infusion's initiative to stage its Cultural Diversity in Australia: to 2020 and Beyond Forum.
Mr Ferguson said Australia is, and will remain, a society of people from a rich variety of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds.
'We have always been a culturally diverse country, from the Indigenous peoples who have lived in this land for tens of thousands of years, to the Anglo-Celtic peoples who colonised it and the immigrants and refugees who have made it their home over the past two centuries,' Mr Ferguson said.
'Australians can be proud of the high level of social cohesion this country has enjoyed. The vast majority of people respect the law, support the human rights of their fellow Australians and value the freedom and democracy our country offers.
'Whatever our backgrounds, we desire peace, prosperity and opportunity for ourselves, our children and our nation. We all want to be accepted and respected for who we are and for what we can contribute.'
In pursuing these aspirations together, Mr Ferguson said all Australians must be prepared to respond to the challenges that lie ahead, including a globalised economy, an ageing population and overseas conflicts.
'If we are to be successful in this we must have strong policies and a clear sense of direction for the future,' the parliamentary secretary said.
'Mr Ferguson said participants could use their discussions from the forum which will be held in Melbourne on March 19 to help develop that clear sense of direction for the future.
'Australia has achieved extraordinary successes in building a cohesive, progressive and modern country,' Mr Ferguson said.
'But we need to make the most of our cultural diversity to meet the challenges that lie ahead and I look forward to the forum making a contribution to the Prime Minister's 2020 Summit to be held on April 19-20,' the parliamentary secretary added.
Media contact: Khaldoun Hajaj - 0404 078 692
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08013.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST