They could be described as the 'odd couple' of federal politics.
From different sides of the political spectrum, one of Greek heritage the other of British stock, together MPs Russell Broadbent and Maria Vamvakinou have fought to have the concept of multiculturalism accepted once again in Australia.
They launched federal Parliament’s ‘Friends of Multiculturalism’ committee in 2007 during a time when the refugee debate had impacted on Australia’s support for multiculturalism.
"Seven years ago there wasn't a friend in the building for multiculturalism so it was a bit cheeky of Maria and I in the first place to say, right, we are starting Friends of Multiculturalism. As one very good friend of mine said ‘Russell there will only be two at the meeting you and Maria, that is the state of multiculturalism in this place. No one will turn up,’" Liberal MP Russell Broadbent told SBS.
But that wasn’t what happened. The Committee gained strength and influence.
“Our diplomatic community were the first to come along and join us at our meetings because they saw how our multicultural nation was working well. They see it from a different perspective because they are looking from the outside and say ‘this nation is working’.”
Labor MP Maria Vamvakinou believed it was important to fight for multiculturalism and that the effort was bipartisan.
“The committee was established really to bring back the concept of multiculturalism to Canberra, to put it back on the political agenda because we were emerging from a decade long period where multiculturalism had become a very contentious and negative concept," Ms Vamvakinou told SBS.
"The media in particular and public attitudes seemed to blame issues, especially the arrival of refugees, ‘boat people’ as they came to be called and any community disturbances were blamed on multiculturalism. So the whole concept of being an Australian was being challenged in a very negative way.
“I have always believed that multiculturalism as a policy has served this country not only well but it is the reason why we are the successful society we are today,” said Ms Vamvakinou.
Over the years the committee has advocated, promoted and encouraged other members of Parliament to join them and success followed.
“We now have a situation where multiculturalism in the parliamentary building is not a bad word. It is a good word once again,” Mr Broadbent said.
At the recent launch of a report into aged care for migrant communities, hosted by the Friends of Multiculturalism, Social Services Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to the advocacy of Vamvakinou and Broadbent.
"I want to commend them for the work they do in this parliament on building the understanding and support for many issues I know are so important to celebrating, acknowledging and working through the challenges and opportunities that come with our very diverse ethnic society and many language backgrounds and multicultural nature of the way our country has developed over many, many years."
“They do a great job,” Mr Morrison said. “I think it is a very bipartisan area of policy activity and I hope that would long continue.”
The aged care report for migrant communities highlighted the need for greater services for aging migrant communities a subject both MPs have championed.
Speaking after the report Mr Morrison said there should be more nursing support in languages other than English and for various community groups to have more of their own aged care facilities.
"They absolutely need nurses who speak their language," Mr Morrison said.
The report noted that with so many culturally diverse communities in Australia, and a ‘one size fits all approach’ to aged care does not work. It highlighted more services will be needed, particularly in dementia care, in the coming years.
After the launch of that report both MPs were pleased with the influence they are starting to have.
Mr Broadbent says Australia needs to spread the message that multiculturalism has been a story of success and inclusion. Maria Vamvakinou says multiculturalism allows people who come to Australia to integrate and retain their cultural links.
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