SBS welcomes renewed focus on multiculturalism

SBS today welcomed the Australian Government’s renewed commitment to multiculturalism following the release of a new policy by Immigration Minister Chris Bowen last night.

“I hope this is a turning point for the national conversation about multiculturalism and immigration and a return to a more inclusive debate about the contribution of diversity,” SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown said.

“The greatness of Australia lies in its ability to embrace and celebrate diversity and I have long argued that a socially inclusive society cannot be left to chance.”
 
Earlier this week SBS publicly released independent research into contemporary and historic attitudes towards immigration in Australia. This coincided with SBS’s landmark documentary series Immigration Nation which explored the true story of Australia’s journey to modern multiculturalism.

“The research and documentary series are an important contribution to the national debate, helping to inform us about the realities of our attitudes towards migration and the historic trends around those attitudes,” Mr Brown said.

The research shows that broadly there is support for diversity in Australia with more than 60 per cent of respondents agreeing that Australia should be multicultural and acknowledging that immigration has enriched the Australian way of life. But disturbingly, the majority of respondents believe that racial prejudice had increased in the last five years.
The research project included a 30 year review of attitudes identified in the Mackay Report, these are some of the consistent themes:
•    We worry about enclaves, ethnic tension and violence as well as the pressure on resources.
•    We feel assimilation is crucial and language is the key; and we are most concerned about recent arrivals and shift that concern to new communities.
•    However we recognise the importance of attracting skilled migrants and appreciate what immigration has done for our food culture.
“Despite the expression of concerns, resistance to particular ethnic groups clearly and quickly breaks down, often within a generation or two,” Mr Brown said. “Yesterday’s immigrant troublemaker and ethnic ghetto becomes tomorrow’s model, well integrated citizen living in a gastro-tourist destination.
“The worry is this pattern won’t continue into the future — which is where SBS’s continued contribution in both the media and multicultural landscape is critical.”
SBS’s landmark documentary series Immigration Nation is currently being shown on SBS TWO, Wednesday nights at 8.30pm or visit www.sbs.com.au/immigrationnation.

For copies of the SBS commissioned research into Australian attitudes towards immigration go to www.sbs.com.au/aboutus under policies and publications.

Media contact: Jane McMillan 02 9430 2807 or 0438 690 305