Research report overwhelmingly constructive
Friday 10 October 2008
A research report released today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, provides a generally positive picture of relationships between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians.
‘The report identified a range of positive activities undertaken at the local government level to encourage engagement between faith groups, while also suggesting where improvements might be made,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘The report, Muslim Australians and Local Government: Grass-roots Strategies to Build Bridges between Muslim & Non-Muslim Australians, has identified a number of strategies for improving relations between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians through effective community-based activities.
‘I commend local government for the community-based work they have already undertaken and in particular I would like to thank Fairfield City Council, which has not only done some excellent work in this area but has considerably expanded its multicultural program.’
Researcher Dr Amanda Wise from Macquarie University was funded under the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security, a joint Commonwealth and state and territory government initiative to investigate community-based activities for improving relations between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians.
‘It is by undertaking and evaluating research such as this that we become more responsive to our community’s changing needs. We all have a role to play in making our communities more inclusive and stronger for the future,’ Mr Ferguson added.
The report is on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
See:
http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/multicultural/grassroots/index.htm.
Media Contact: Sarah Gestier-Garstang - 0432 283 020
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2008/lf08060.htm
Last update: 10 October 2008 at 14:06 AEST