Debate resumed from 28 February, on motion by Mr Laurie Ferguson:

That this House:

(1)

notes the Federal Government’s formal response to the recommendations provided by the Australian Multicultural Advisory Council; and

(2)

calls on the House of Representatives to:

(a)

endorse ‘The People of Australia’ policy which recognises the importance of the economic and social benefits of Australia’s diversity;

(b)

recognise the success of multiculturalism in Australia and policies that reinforce the benefits our diverse communities bring;

(c)

reaffirm support for multiculturalism in Australia and condemn political strategies or tactics that incite division and seek to vilify communities; and

(d)

continue the tradition of bipartisan support for multiculturalism and multicultural policy in Australia sustained by successive Governments over the years.