Thursday, 29 January 2009
Diverse Australia heralds a positive year ahead
Race Discrimination Commissioner Tom Calma has today welcomed the new Diverse Australia program announced by the federal government.
Commissioner Calma said he was particularly pleased to see the program’s focus on targeting racism and promote positive community relationships.
“I’m very pleased to see that the federal government is serious about tackling racism where and when it is occurring, rather than ignoring or denying the problem,” Commissioner Calma said.
“This announcement - on top of the government's re-institution of the Multicultural Advisory Council in December - embodies the participative process so necessary for the development of a successful multicultural policy.
“It also complements the government's social inclusion policy by recognising that racism is a major cause of social exclusion and the economic and social disadvantages that follow from it,” Mr Calma said.
“The challenge for the government now is to bring these policies and processes together in a whole of government approach that seriously tackles racism in Australian society.”
Commissioner Calma said the Diverse Australia program was another milestone in efforts to ensure the diverse reality of Australian society was reflected in the way policies were developed to chart the future of this country.
“A re-commitment from the government to Australia’s successful multicultural policy – which has languished for the last decade – would really cement and guide our diverse society,” Mr Calma said.
Media contact: Louise McDermott on 02 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
