The Australian Labor Party has released its first ever ‘Multicultural Statement’ cementing the party’s commitment to diversity and equality while stressing the need to support often-neglected communities.

The statement says that multiculturalism is one of Australia’s greatest achievements.

“Nearly 30 percent of Australians were born overseas, while half of our population were either born overseas or have a parent born overseas. From 200 countries and 260 languages, Australia’s diversity is our strength,” it says.

“In Australia, no matter who you are, where you were born or the language you first spoke, everyone belongs. Labor celebrates and embraces our multiculturalism. We are committed to realising the benefits of diversity for our nation, and for every one of us,” the statement continues.

It says that creating a level playing field that expands opportunity and ensures that everyone can go about their lives free of racism and discrimination is a core Australian value.

“It’s the fair go,” the statement says.

“We cannot afford to be complacent. At a time of rising racism around the globe, we must recommit to being a place where everyone feels that they belong, and where no one is left behind.

“The pandemic has challenged our multiculturalism, and revealed gaps in our policy framework. Our national government must effectively respond to this.

“Labor is determined to enable every Australian to participate fully in society, remain connected to their culture, and ensure we all have opportunities to get ahead,” the statement says.

“This statement recognises that while we are a proudly multicultural country, but here is more to be done,” Labor’s multicultural affairs spokesperson Andrew Giles said.

“We can’t take this great achievement of modern Australia for granted,” he said.

But the statement warns the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed gaps in policymaking towards often-neglected communities.

And it outlines a series of alleged failures to effectively respond to the concerns of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The statement includes criticism that the 2020 federal budget failed to address the “significant job and income losses” affecting migrant communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

And it says the budget was a missed chance to invest in and improve social and economic outcomes for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The concerns stem from workers from migrant communities being disproportionately impacted by business shutdowns forced by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve seen particularly during the pandemic some significant gaps,” Mr Giles said. 

“We have a real challenge here to make sure that everything we do builds a society that belongs and which everyone can fully participate and reach their potential.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dismissed the criticism of the budget, delivered in October, saying it was a response for all Australians and warning against “voices of division” seeking to set groups against one another.

Labor’s statement also calls for a new anti-racism strategy amid reports of increasing racism during the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

In the 2020-21 budget, the government allocated $62.8 million to support Australia’s social cohesion and boosting engagement with multicultural communities.  

This followed a $71 million investment package the previous year. 

Read the statement here: https://andrewgiles.com.au/labors-multicultural-statement/