The Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator the Hon. Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, welcomed the latest Scanlon-Monash Index of Social Cohesion released today, that has confirmed social cohesion in Australia is at an eight-year high.
The Scanlon-Monash Index of Social Cohesion (SMI) has been mapping social cohesion since 2007.
“This is a good result in difficult times and I am pleased that Australia remains a stable and cohesive society,” said Senator Fierravanti-Wells.
She added it was encouraging that the 2015 report shows Australians continue to overwhelmingly support a multicultural Australia.
“The SMI found there is strong support for our cultural diversity, with more respondents than ever (86 per cent) agreeing that ‘multiculturalism has been good for Australia’.
“Multiculturalism is the glue that holds us together and makes us the envy of the world.
“With 45 per cent of us either born overseas or with at least one parent who was, we are one of the most culturally diverse, yet socially cohesive nations on earth,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.
The Mapping Social Cohesion report includes views on the extent to which Australians and immigrants should change their behaviour.