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Ambassadors wanted

As the Australian Multicultural Council (AMC) gets its feet under the table, the search is on for a tier of advisors from within communities across Australia to champion inclusion and highlight the benefits of diversity to Australian society

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Ambassadors wanted
11 Sep 2011
Mike Sweet

As the Australian Multicultural Council (AMC) gets its feet under the table, the search is on for a tier of advisors from within communities across Australia to champion inclusion and highlight the benefits of diversity to Australian society.

The People of Australia Ambassador program was announced by the Prime Minister at the launch of the AMC last month, with Julia Gillard encouraging Australians to nominate local champions from their own neighbourhood and communities who have helped to promote inclusion and participation in their community.

Up to 40 people will be selected as ambassadors to provide grassroots advice to the AMC. The AMC has been established to provide advice to government on multicultural policy and to ensure government services respond effectively to the needs of diverse communities.

Across the nation, the call has gone out this week for the ambassadors to be identified. The Federal Member for the electorate of Calwell in Victoria - Maria Vamvakinou says the ambassadors' suggestions will be able to filter right through to the top. "The ambassadors' advice will be able to provide advice to the Prime Minister and have an opportunity to promote the positive work they undertake in our community."

Nominees for the People of Australia Ambassador program must have demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion, or may have involvement in a diverse range of community work which unites all Australians.

The AMC's selection criteria for People of Australia ambassadors say anyone nominated must have demonstrated a strong commitment to a socially cohesive society through active community engagement; have a good understanding of their community; be able to demonstrate strong leadership in the community, and have a strong community network with a capacity to influence and engage with people from a wide range of backgrounds

Nominees must be of good character and be able to exemplify honesty, integrity and ethical conduct in the course of their ambassadorial duties.

Nominations will be considered by the Australian Multicultural Council and close on Friday, 7 October. Further details at www.amc.gov.au

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What an excellent idea by the Australian government. It’s about time we had ambassadors that will raise the profile of Australia within the community. We have a great way of life that we take for granted. We as Australians have always cherished freedom along with its stable democracy. That is probably one of the many reasons that Australia is seen a s country that refugees consider worth the risk of dying when travelling in little miserable crafts that somehow make it to Australia n shores. But I question what roles and responsibilities the ambassadors will play and hold in this great country of ours. If the ambassadors are to assist and support the Australian way of life and to enhance our institutions and lay the foundations for an Australia that encompasses all that is positive about this country then I am all for it. If however, the role and responsibilities are to further the interests of one political party against the interests of another, then I am afraid I would not agree as it would be divisive and against the Australian way of life. In the end, having local ambassadors is a good idea but at least consider changing the name to something like Australian Community Regional Advisor (ACRA), Australian Community Representative, (ACR), Australian Government Community Advisor (AGCA) or (tongue in cheek) better still; what about ABCD, Aussie Battler Community Delegate. Take your pick. Abalinx Peter Adamis Watsonia
Submitted by Abalinx on Mon, 2011-09-12 15:35.

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