Patchwork heritage is a strength
21 January 2009
The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, today commended the inauguration of President Barack Obama as a shining example of the contribution migrant families can make in their country of origin.
President Obama’s father, who is of Kenyan descent, met his American-born mother while they were both studying at the University of Hawaii.
Mr Ferguson noted President Obama emphasised the contribution of migrants in his address, stating, ‘For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth.’
Religious and cultural diversity is a permanent feature of Australian society with 45 per cent of Australians either born overseas or the child of an overseas-born parent.
‘This diversity is a source of our social and economic wealth,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘It gives vibrancy and dynamism to Australian life and is essential to our nation’s future.
‘This message is especially poignant as this weekend’s Australia Day festivities will accent 60 years of Australian citizenship, 60 years of national citizenship processes and 60 years of successful and organised migration,’ Mr Ferguson added.
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09003.htm
Last update: 22 January 2009 at 09:28 AEST