Multiculturalism in Australia
What is multiculturalism?
In its simplest form, multiculturalism can be translated as ‘many cultures’. However, the modern meaning of the term multiculturalism is used to denote cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity. This understanding of multiculturalism originated from Canadian politics, and was adopted by Australian government from the mid 1970s. Presently, multiculturalism is a fundamental aspect of the Australian national identity, with diversity being recognised as a positive force.
The history of multiculturalism in Australia
The first inhabitants of Australia were the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Cultural diversity increased with the arrival of European settlers in 1788. The gold rush of the 19th century attracted further immigrants from around the world, including a sizeable Chinese population. Nonetheless, just prior to World War II, most Australians could trace their heritage to British and Irish origins. As such, diversity was viewed within the context of assimilation to European values. However, after the war, there was a significant increase of immigrants from Greece, Italy, Yugoslavia, Lebanon, and Turkey. This increase, alongside changing attitudes in the 1960s and 1970s towards immigration and multiculturalism, ensured that diversity became increasingly celebrated. In recent decades there has been a growth of immigrants from Asia, creating an international reputation of Australia as being culturally diverse and racially tolerant. Today, some 43% of the Australian population are born overseas, or have at least one parent born overseas. Further, over 200 different languages are spoken in Australia. In short, multiculturalism has become a feature of Australian life.
A multicultural policy in Australia
The importance of multiculturalism is recognised and celebrated by the Australian Government, who have developed a cultural diversity policy entitled ‘Multicultural Australia: United in Diversity (2003)’. This policy emphasises the advantages of inclusiveness and diversity from economic, cultural and social perspectives.
Underpinning the policy are four basic principles:
o Responsibilities of all – All Australians have civic duties to uphold the basic tenets of Australian society, in turn ensuring that diversity flourishes in society
o Respect for each other – All Australians have the right to express themselves, subject to the law, and the reciprocal obligation to respect the expression of others.
o Fairness for each person – All Australians are entitled to equality of treatment and opportunity, free from discrimination
o Benefits for all – Diversity as a means of securing benefits for all Australians
Australian multiculturalism, tolerance and terrorism
Australian multiculturalism is tied in to the country’s civic values of tolerance and equality. This link is becoming increasingly important given fears arising from terrorism and terrorist attacks, particularly in relation to the Australian-Muslim community post September 11. Community harmony and social cohesion, achieved partly through the recognition of multiculturalism, are imperative to combating terrorism and ignorance, and the fear both create.
Links
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Multicultural Australia: United in Diversity
Victorian Multicultural Commission
Victorian Multicultural Resources Directory 2002-3
A diary of multicultural events in Australia 2006
Multicultural Australia | 
Antisemitism 