Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

At the launch of the Australian Multicultural Council, an outcome of the People of Australia multicultural policy, the Prime Minister reflected on our diversity and spoke of an Australia well poised with the coming Asian century. Australia has a great asset in its people, and this government is committed to ensuring that we draw on the skills and benefits that migration brings to Australia. We recognise the competitive advantages that diverse communities provide in terms of both language skills and cultural understanding. The importance of this cannot be underestimated in an increasingly globalised world. Our multicultural nation means we are uniquely connected to every part of this world. These connections support trade relations and create incentives to invest in our economy and our country.

Multiculturalism is about leveraging these benefits but creating a nation where everyone genuinely belongs. (Time expired)