Lisa Singh (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration, I present the report of the committee on migration and multiculturalism in Australia.

Ordered that the report be printed.

by leave—I move:

That the Senate take note of the report.

Since my time in the Senate I have had the honour of being a member of, and involved in, the joint standing committee inquiring into the economic, social and cultural impacts of migration in Australia. The task of the inquiry encompassed multiculturalism, social inclusion and globalisation through the settlement and participation of newly arrived migrants, including those who have arrived as refugees.

Firstly, I want to take the opportunity to pay tribute to the chair of this committee, Ms Maria Vamvakinou, who led this inquiry with compassion, strength and a strong sense of understanding. The terms of reference for the inquiry resulted in over 500 submissions, and the nature of this kind of inquiry led to the committee undertaking 27 public hearings over a two-year period, these hearings requiring a genuine listening ear from all those involved. I am pleased this committee has embraced multiculturalism, and the report I am tabling in the Senate today has received strong bipartisan support.

I am a strong advocate of our multicultural society, one that celebrates its diversity and recognises the contribution of our rich multicultural fabric. At times, however, I am both puzzled and appalled by the language used around this very issue. In a nation built on the back of migrants I cannot quite understand why we continue to divorce ourselves from the benefits of multicultural Australia and what it has brought to our society. It continues to enrich us, not just economically but also socially and culturally. It is my hope that we, as elected representatives of our constituency, come to the realisation that we are doing more harm than good when we start alienating citizens of our own country. The truth is we are a welcoming country—a country of over 22 million people, speaking over 260 languages and identifying with more than 270 ancestries. Our society continues to be enriched through the positive benefits of migrants and refugees, with migration accounting for 44 per cent of total job growth in the past five years.

Our model of multiculturalism is envied throughout the world and our settlement services are recognised as one of the world's best. These services are at the core of our migration program. I believe this report is a testament to Australia's ability to develop a strong social and culturally diverse society. Through government leadership and cultural understanding we have developed a cohesive Australia. I, along with some of my colleagues, have a personal appreciation for culturally diverse backgrounds. I am the daughter of an international student who arrived in Australia in 1963 and some of the members of parliament are sons and daughters of migrant parents.

I believe it is only through the acknowledgement and understanding of our heritage that we will be able to achieve a resilient multicultural nation. We know, however, that there can be challenges for newly arrived migrants and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. It is for this reason it is vital that we continue to work together to combat areas of discrimination in our community and encourage all generations of our society to embrace our differences. A belief in equality is at the forefront of ensuring that we have a long-term cohesive society, ensuring all individuals have access to the same opportunities in life, regardless of their background. We would not be doing justice to our society if we did not continue to review and evolve our settlement services and our migration system.

This inquiry allowed for the committee to delve into these very issues that are facing communities throughout Australia. It provided an opportunity for the committee to focus on the settlement services and the integration and participation of both new and established communities. The report I am tabling today makes 32 recommendations on how we can build on what we have already achieved in promoting a rich multicultural nation, supportive of giving all citizens the very best opportunities in Australian life. In order to achieve the very best settlement process, it is integral that we have a whole-of-government approach. Through the involvement of all three tiers of government, settlement in Australia can be very much a positive experience. The report has noted this approach is necessary and enhanced results in this area of settlement can be obtained through better coordination from all levels of government.

The committee's recommendations included rebuilding Australia's research capability in this area, factoring cultural and linguistic diversity into the government's social inclusion agenda, greater flexibility in English-language training and support for micro enterprises. The committee acknowledges there still remain obstacles for some Australians in the area of job security and opportunities. It is a concern that many qualified residents are unable to have their overseas qualifications recognised here in Australia. These issues, if unresolved, can have a negative flow-on effect to a number of communities. The committee has also established that Job Services Australia needs to develop a better system of delivering services to people from diverse backgrounds, including refugees.

What is clear is multiculturalism is embedded in our national identity and it is something we need to start clearly embracing. Whilst this report identifies what we need to improve on, it also recognises what we have achieved. I want to thank all of those who contributed to the report through their submissions and public hearings. I want to thank the secretariat and all the members of the committee for their work and their commitment. Once again, I highlight the valuable role of the chair, Maria Vamvakinou. Lastly, I want to thank the Hon. Chris Bowen for showing leadership in this area and referring this matter to the inquiry. I commend the recommendations to the government and to the parliament.