The Coalition government abolished the Ministry of Multicultural Affairs when it took power in September this year, and instead decided to incorporate multicultural issues into the newly created Social Services portfolio.
While the move has been criticised by some multicultural groups including the Federation of Ethnic Communities in Australia, Senator Fierravanti-Wells sees the move as a step forward for multicultural issues in Australia.
“It’s going to afford the Settlement Services a synergy with other portfolios in this mega-department,” said Fierravanti-Wells.
"We have a unique Australian multiculturalism. It’s really one where we become Australians and assimilate at different paces. It’s a process, a journey, a richness of society.”
“It’s an acceptance that we come from different parts of the world,” she added.
Listen to Senator Fierravanti-Wells being interviewed by Peggy Giakoumelos below:
