Second Australians – A Journey Through Multicultural Australia

June 2008

SBS and Film Australia on behalf of Screen Australia today announced plans to develop an ambitious cross-platform documentary series that will examine the stories of multicultural Australia through the prism of immigration policies of the 20th and 21st Centuries.

From the White Australia Policy in the early 1900s to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s recent announcement that the Australian Government will significantly expand economic migration, this landmark series will present a new perspective on the people and events which have shaped contemporary Australia.

Producers and production companies are invited to submit proposals for a bold and ambitious series to SBS and Screen Australia’s National Interest Program in July 2008.

Up to three proposals will be funded for initial development, with one series progressing to full development. It is intended the series of up to six, one-hour length episodes will screen on SBS in 2009.   

SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown said:

“SBS has at its heart a commitment to understanding and reflecting Australia’s cultural diversity and this series demonstrates our continued passion for telling the stories that matter.

“This series will use distinctive story-telling techniques to explore, dissect and discuss the history of key cultural issues in Australia and will provide a solid foundation for community debate around the some of the most divisive and controversial issues of the country’s history.”

Film Australia CEO Ms Daryl Karp said the project has a natural synergy with the aims of Screen Australia’s National Interest Program to produce programs of interest to Australians or that illustrate aspects of Australian life.

“In Australia today, nearly one in four people were born overseas and 43 per cent identify themselves as being born overseas or have at least one parent who was born overseas. Modern Australia is now a melting pot of people from around 185 different countries.

“We are looking for proposals that bring an innovative and creative perspective to Australia’s recent migration history, that have an intelligent voice, provide insight into our society and reveal something new. We are proud to be associated with the development of this cross-platform project and excited about the potential proposals it will unearth.”

Producers should note that production funding under the National Interest Program would be subject to the decisions of the incoming board and CEO of Screen Australia.  

Further details of the initiative will be announced on www.sbs.com.au and www.screenaustralia.gov.au.