Stronger Leadership Needed For An Inclusive Australia
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
The Uniting Church has called for an urgent commitment from all parties to promote an inclusive and tolerant Australia in order to stop the spread of racism and a fear of those who are different.
Uniting Church National President, Rev. Dr Dean Drayton, said although multiculturalism has been part of Government policy in the last three decades, heightened world security has led to an increase in fear, mistrust and racism in Australia.
“The religious and cultural mosaic of Australia has continued to change but not enough has been done to ensure Government policy and programs remain in step with this. Today 150 different languages are spoken in Australia and 42 per cent of the population was born overseas, or has one parent who was,” Rev. Drayton said.
“Post September 11 and with the on-going tensions in the Middle East, sadly we have witnessed an increase in racism and fear of others here in Australia – especially against Muslim and Jewish Australians.
“There can be no security without justice and the Uniting Church is committed to creating dialogue with people of other faiths and cultural backgrounds and our hope is that the Federal Government will take leadership on this issue as well. It is only through genuine and respectful dialogue that people of different faiths and cultures can share their hopes and work for understanding and tolerance,” Rev. Drayton said.
The Uniting Church National Director for Multicultural Ministry, Rev. Helen Richmond, said there is wide scope for new and improved initiatives from the Federal Government.
“We have seen some good outcomes already through the existing Living in Harmony program that have led to tolerance and greater understanding in the community. The program has given community groups a chance to plan and host local events and a further commitment to the program is needed.”
Rev. Richmond said a more coordinated language program is needed that gives greater assistance with English language as well as supporting migrant communities in their native languages.
“All people have the right to high levels of literacy in English, but everyone should have the right to develop and maintain and use their native languages. We need a commitment to a comprehensive National Language and Literacy policy that includes adequate translation and information services and English language assistance. The work that SBS has done in this area should be applauded and further enhanced.”
Media contacts: Reverend Helen Richmond, 0408 674 224
Gavin Melvin, Senior Communication Officer, 0417 416 674
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