AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Immigrants Welcome in Australia According to Report

Friday, 11 September 2009

A new report by Monash University shows that according to Australians, your country of birth is not an important factor on whether you are considered Australian or not.

"The Monash University report, Perceptions of Multiculturalism and Security in Victoria, will be used by the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council and Australian Government in the development of new cultural diversity policies," said Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services.

The report suggests that Australians define 'being Australian' in terms of behaviour rather than ethnicity or origins. 'Australian' behaviour included obeying the law, respecting others, integrating within communities and developing a working knowledge of English.

The report's findings come from a group of surveys conducted in metropolitan and regional Victoria, involving some 120 people.

"The vast majority of participants believe that multiculturalism enhances Australia economically, socially and culturally," Mr Ferguson said. "The report reflects public acceptance of diversity as being about all Australians and a preference for a whole-of-community perspective on issues and solutions. This is very positive."

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