The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles today in an online multicultural media conference launched the government’s Multicultural Framework Review.

The Review coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government’s 1973 report, ‘A Multi-cultural Society for the Future’ that marked the delivery of multicultural policy for Australia.

The minister said that since the launch of multiculturalism by the Whitlam government there has not been a grassroots and extensive review of the policy.

It is about listening to old and new communities

The Review will assess the institutional structures and policy frameworks at the national level, to boost multicultural Australia, and augment “social cohesion and harmony.”

He added that a review of multiculturalism wants to ensure “that the capabilities of every Australian citizen are nurtured.”

He added that any review to date has tended to be a “top-down” process and this aims to be a more inclusive and open process for all.

“Multiculturalism has been instrumental to Australia’s success since it was launched by Gough Whitlam’s government and will continue to be one of the key forces shaping our nation.

“We want to ensure that we have the right policies and institutions to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse society,” Giles said.

Giles said that the Albanese Government is calling on “all Australians to submit their views, in writing, in audio or video” and the language of their choice. The call for the Review has been translated in “35 key languages” said the minister, as has all the information on the Review.

“We are about by engaging with community and listening, to established and newly arrived culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” Giles said.

Neos Kosmos raised the issue of ensuring that multicultural media be also invited to all pressers by politicians, not just multicultural ones.

Giles noted that and affirmed that he would seek to make his colleagues and their press officers aware.

Neos Kosmos questioned the rationale behind translating promotional materials, considering poor translations of the past, especially during the Covid19 pandemic, and the fact that multicultural media possess proficient English-speaking skills, enabling them to translate content in a manner that resonates effectively with their audiences.

The minister said that he understood that “translations on their own will not do the job.”

“Speaking to people in their terms is essential and we do not doubt the important role that you [multicultural media] play.

“It is important though to ensure that translated materials are accurate and comprehensible to all however, it is also a sign of respect to our diverse communities,” Giles said.

He added that he felt media reports on the review, and independent translations were “complementary not contradictory.”

“We want to hear from a range of voices sharing their lived experiences, their views on what is working well, and what could be improved to advance a multicultural Australia.

“The Government has prioritised accessibility to a variety of languages and cultural groups so that everyone, no matter what language they speak, can have their say,” Giles said.

Open for submissions – any way you like

The Department of Home Affairs accepts submissions in all languages, including audio and video options on the Review website.

Neos Kosmos questioned how video and audio submissions would work. The minister said that the research he has revealed that younger people especially in newly arrived communities “preferred to work with video and audio.”

“We know from the research that younger people, especially in new and emerging communities prefer to communicate with video and audio, and all they need to do is upload a video or audio file to the website.”

Dr. Hass Dellal AM, the head of the Australian Multicultural Foundation and former chair of SBS, has been entrusted with “physically engaging with the community and meeting peak government and advocacy bodies.”

The minister said that the review is about redefining and re-examining what multiculturalism is about and how government policies best serve all Australians.

He listed some of the key issues impacting multicultural communities, such as “age care, whether it’s at home or in institutions, is for the older communities,” job markets, and entrepreneurial skills, as well as settlement services for newly arrived communities.

Minister Giles wants to also “identify the questions that are not being asked by the government.”

“I want to open up to big questions, about how it feels like to be living in a country like Australia as a member of a culturally and linguistically diverse multicultural community,” Giles said.

“I want all Australians of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to feel confident about who they are, and to change according to their own pace.”

Multicultural communities and the First Nations Voice to parliament

Neos Kosmos asked about what the minister felt about those promoting the No to First Nations Voice to parliament, like Warren Mundine and Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price courting multicultural communities.

“I would never speak on behalf of the diversity that is multicultural Australia, as some on the No side, seem to attempt, I want to hear all voices… all the different voices,” Giles said.

The minister went on to talk about an event he attended an event Springvale, (Melbourne) organised by multicultural communities in support of the Yes position and said, “It looked like Australia.”

“Hundreds of people were there who were in support of recognising First Nations people in the constitution.

“Support for the Voice is particularly strong among new arrivals whose experiences align to many of those of First Nations, as the timing for their migration journey is more recent.”

He acknowledged that “maybe older communities may have a more distant relationship with First Nations people.”

“My role is to engage with all. To listen to different perspectives. That is how good policy is developed and the Voice is about listening to a diversity of views.”

Giles said that he will be engaging with communities “across Australia in capital cities and regional centres.”The final report will be delivered to the government in the new year.

Community organisations and members of the public can make their submissions via the Review website until 29 September 2023.

Further information on the Review, including translated materials in 35 languages can be found here.