Cassandra Fernando (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The Albanese Labor government talks the talk and walks the walk when it comes to ensuring a diverse and inclusive Australia. The government and the Australian Labor Party recognise the importance of ensuring that the extraordinary and positive contribution of successive generations of migrants is not only welcomed but encouraged and celebrated. A brief glance at the current Labor caucus shows this philosophy in action: it is one where several members trace their origins to different parts of the world but are united in their belief in working towards a better future for all Australians.

However, our support for Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds does not stop at guaranteeing a caucus that reflects Australia's diversity. We also make sure it's reflected in our policy-making. Former Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam introduced the official policy of multiculturalism. We, as the party of Whitlam, have strengthened it and will continue to do so. Australia's vibrant and modern multicultural society is a national strength, and part of guaranteeing the continued success of multiculturalism in Australia is ensuring that our nation's institutional, legislative and policy-making framework reflects the nature of our multicultural society. The Multicultural Framework Review will help in promoting a government that works for multicultural Australia. It's an opportunity to examine the first principles of multiculturalism in this country and to provide clarity on their relevance, responsiveness and adaptability. This involves exploring many aspects of Australian policy-making, including the effectiveness of existing federal legislative regulatory and policy settings, and their interaction with state and local government settings; the role and functions of government and non-governmental organisations in identifying pathways to address systematic barriers; and the effectiveness of current diversity, equity and inclusion strategies for promoting leadership opportunities among people from CALD backgrounds. I thank the panel and reference group for the incredible work they're doing in formulating this review and I look forward to their report to the government next month.

When Australian Labor Party, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, formed government in May 2022 there was a backlog of over one million visa applications that had been unopened. This government got on with efficient and diligent processing of these applications by hiring more than 650 additional staff in visa-processing roles since May 2022. In addition, the government adjusted our migration policy to address Australia's critical human resource shortages by prioritising skilled visas in the health and education sectors.

Besides addressing visa applications, the government has ensured that Australians who have done the right thing and want to accept Australian citizenship are supported in doing so. Since we formed government, average citizenship processing times have decreased by 34 per cent, and 62 per cent of people are now waiting less than three months to attend a citizenship ceremony. This has removed the anxiety and stress of extended waits for those who would love to call Australia their country and their home.

Language is an essential aspect of culture and identity, and community language schools play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage, with a history dating back to 1857. There are now more than 700 language schools operating across Australia, teaching over 100,000 students in over 85 languages. In recognition of their key role in promoting multiculturalism, the government committed $18.2 million in the 2023-24 budget to fund community language schools so that more Australian children have the chance to learn a second language.

I would like to conclude by commending the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Andrew Giles, for his remarkable work in ensuring a multicultural Australia. For the Albanese Labor government, multiculturalism is not an afterthought but the cornerstone of government policy.

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