Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Bennelong for this motion, because it gives me the chance to talk about how proud I am to represent the electorate of Moreton, which has a diverse mix of cultural and ethnic communities. We have a large Chinese diaspora, Indians, Taiwanese, Pasifika, Somalis, Eritreans, Ethiopians, Sudanese, Rwandans, Filipinos, South Africans, a First Nations community, British, New Zealanders, Fijians, Koreans, Vietnamese, people from the Balkans, and so many more. We have a rich and vibrant community thanks to these people. The cultural and faith celebrations, the food, the festivals and the community service all help inspire and drive community cohesion.

I'm proud that in Moreton people feel a sense of belonging and are at ease mixing with people from different ethnic and faith backgrounds. This reflects the fact that 89 per cent of Australians agree with the statement 'Multiculturalism has been good for Australia,' where we see three streams combined for healthy water: the First Nations stream, 65,000 years old and still flowing strong; the British input, providing justice, democracy and other institutions; and then the third stream, particularly after World War II. All three streams combine to form one strong healthy river—an ancient and a modern Australian river.

The Albanese government is committed to building on our achievements as a cohesive and inclusive multicultural society. Generations of migrants from over 300 different ancestral backgrounds have helped shape our country and our shared values. This is not something that just happens magically; it takes foresight and leadership. Sadly, as we've seen in places like former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, cohesion can disappear overnight. Harmony requires vigilance and constant work. Neil Young said, 'Rust never sleeps', but trust never keeps. It must be maintained daily, because there'll always be politicians and others who want to divide.

After years of mismanagement and delay by the former coalition government, Labor moved to process the backlog of visa applications from people wishing to move here and contribute to our multicultural society. To assist with economic growth and labour shortages we've prioritised skilled visas, especially those in the health and education sectors. We also acknowledge the importance of permanent residency and citizenship. On Australia Day this year I was privileged to attend three citizenship ceremonies, and, like always, I was struck by the emotions on display as those being welcomed into our Australian family gave their oaths and affirmations. They're filled with pride and hope, and faith in our multicultural future.

Since Labor came to government, the average processing time for citizenship has decreased by 34 per cent, and more than two-thirds of people are now waiting fewer than three months to attend a citizenship ceremony. We've also extended our direct pathway to citizenship for our Kiwi brothers and sisters, with more than 44,000 applications since July of last year. I had sought of the minister that they must ditch their loyalty to the All Blacks, but apparently that is unconstitutional!

To ensure future government policies and organisational arrangements are inclusive, cohesive and support our multicultural society, we ran the Multicultural Framework Review, hosting 150 consultation sessions and receiving 700 submissions. We're also funding programs that make a direct, positive impact. I know the member for Bennelong supports people having a second language. Funding of $18.2 million is going to our community language schools, enabling more Australian children to learn a second language and, by default, deepen their cultural awareness, understanding and acceptance—and perhaps open up future trade opportunities. These schools are also vital in the preservation and honouring of cultural heritage, and have actually been operational here in Australia since the 1850s. And the Adult Migrant English Program has been bolstered by $20 million of funding to deliver English language classes flexibly, both online and in community and workplace settings.

While the majority of Australians are supportive of and grateful for our multicultural society, it's important to continue to combat the scourges of racial discrimination and racism. These have no part in Australian society and we must call them out—I thank the member for Bennelong for doing that. The Racial Discrimination Act provides a solid foundation. Section 18C of the act prohibits acts that offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate someone because of their race or colour, or their national or ethnic origins. I remember that a former coalition government tried to repeal section 18C, but Labor, with the support of our multicultural communities, stopped that. Australia balances freedom of expression with the right to be free from racial discrimination, and we do it well. (Time expired)

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