Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—This morning I had the privilege of meeting with the former premier of Tasmania Peter Gutwein. He's on a mission: walking to celebrate the role that migrants have played in Australians' story up to now and will play in Australia 's future. Mr Gutwein has, through his experience and concern that he had in Tasmania, wanted to reaffirm the important role of multiculturalism in this country—in who we are in 2024. He spoke to me today about the extraordinary contribution that people, particularly from the subcontinent, are making in the delivery of health services in Tasmania. We spoke about the range of services and the role that migrants are playing, essentially, in agriculture and in the great story that is modern Australia. I certainly reaffirmed my government's commitment to social inclusion and support for multiculturalism and cohesion as well. It's one of the reasons why I appointed Peter Khalil as the Special Envoy for Social Cohesion, because we can't take it for granted.

I congratulate Mr Gutwein on his leadership in undertaking this big journey. His journey, his walk, is similar to the walk that Australia has taken towards this modern, vibrant, dynamic, multicultural society that we are. We can't take it for granted. We need to cherish it and we need to nurture it. I thank Mr Gutwein for his contribution—post parliamentary life, his ongoing contribution—to public life. Well done!

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