The Albanese Government has today announced the commencement of the Multicultural Framework Review, delivering on an election commitment to examine the function and framework of Australia’s multicultural policies.
The Review coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government’s 1973 report ‘A Multi-cultural Society for the Future’, which marked the birth of contemporary multicultural Australia.
Drawing on the knowledge of culturally and linguistically diverse communities from around Australia, the Review will assess what Commonwealth multicultural policy could look like, to ensure no one is left behind, and everyone feels that they truly belong.
Speaking in Sydney’s inner-west today, Minister Giles announced the panel of multicultural Australians who have been appointed to lead and co-author the Review, Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO as Chair, alongside Nyadol Nyuon OAM and Christine Castley.
A Reference Group to support the panel will include eminent Australians from diverse backgrounds, as well as representatives from key non-government stakeholders. A full list of Reference Group members can be found on the Multicultural Framework Review.
The Review is expected to deliver its final report with recommendations to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs by March 2024.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles
“The Albanese Labor Government is turning the page on nine shameful years of fearmongering and division surrounding multicultural Australians. This review is a concrete step towards an inclusive country where we are able to harness the talents of all Australians.
“For almost a decade, the former Liberal Government oversaw a system ridden with neglect towards our multicultural communities. Under their watch, a fragmented and inconsistent approach to engaging with CALD communities saw failures to translate vital health information during the pandemic, and government support and grant programs inaccessible to emerging migrant groups.”
Quotes attributable to Multicultural Framework Review Chair, Dr Bulent Hass Dellal AO
“The Multicultural Framework Review is a timely review and an opportunity to ensure that our Multicultural Principles and practices are responsive, relevant, adaptable and inclusive of all Australians moving into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Multicultural Framework Review Panellist, Nyadol Nyuon OAM
“I am honoured to be part of the Multicultural Framework Review in 2023. Australia’s embrace of Multiculturalism was a bold, even revolutionary, social shift. The creators of our multiculturalism had a far-sighted vision of what this country could become. Their vision served us well and as led to one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world.
“This Review seeks to understand how Australia’s multiculturalism serves us today and what needs to be done to enhance and protect inclusion and social cohesion for the future.”
Quotes attributable to Multicultural Framework Review Panellist, Christine Castley
“Australia’s multiculturalism is one of its greatest strengths, and my hope is that this review will highlight and celebrate the cultural richness and diversity that makes up who we are as a country.
“I am genuinely excited to be a part of this once in a generation opportunity to take an open and honest look at how we ensure genuine inclusion, tackle systemic barriers and engage in the robust conversations we need to have if we are to move forward as a stronger, better, fairer and more inclusive nation.”
