Multiculturalism in Australia is a success but everyone must obey the nation's laws and support the democratic process, according to the Coalition's multicultural statement.
The document, titled: Releasing Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, Successful, is "overwhelmingly positive" about Australia's cultural diversity, the Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs Zed Seselja said.
Announcing the statement Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said "we live in a world of increasing intolerance and disharmony" but Australia is the antithesis of that.
It's the first multicultural statement to be released by the Coalition, after using the Gillard Government's policy since coming to power in 2013.
The statement highlights in the foreword by Malcolm Turnbull that Australia is defined "not by race, religion or culture", but a shared value of "freedom, democracy, the rule of law and equality of opportunity".
It said learning English "is a critical tool for migrant intergration" but that cultural diversity "is one of our greatest assets".
At the launch Mr Turnbull highlighted the more than 7.5 million people who have migrated to Australia since 1945.
"They've added their own identity to the extraordinary project that is modern Australia," he said.
The glue that holds all Australians together, according to the Prime Minister, is "mutual respect", and "a resolute determination to defend our nation".
"There are some people, of course, who don't obey laws," Assistant Minister Seselja said, "and we should always reaffirm, that there are certain things that are unacceptable."
"We want to see that continue and this sets out some of the direction of the government sees going forward."
The release of the statement came on the eve of Harmony Day which Assistant Minister Seselja said is about "unity" of Australia.
"It's about celebrating the different cultures, the wonderful things that have been brought to us by people all over the world," he said.
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The Migration Council Australia said the statement affirmed the economic and social importance migrants play in shaping the nation.
"The affirmation of our settlement framework and the imperative for governments to support newly arrived migrants to become self reliant and active members of the Australian community is warmly welcomed," CEO Carla Wilshire said in a statement.
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