Multiculturalism in Australia and the Political Sentiment of the Government of the Day - 1996 to 2017

Multiculturalism was introduced into Australia, as a public policy initiative in early 1970s. It has had bi-partisan political support, despite the fact that it has also been contested as a public policy (Koleth 2010). Bi-partisanship support has meant the establishment of a policy which has been successful in integrating migrants into Australia, but also being perceived as a policy that has contributed positively to the nation (Markus 2015). Despite a historical and ongoing commitment by both sides of politics to multiculturalism in Australia, differences have existed in the implementation of the policy, depending upon the political persuasion of the government of the day.

This study investigates, what are the discernible differences that can be delineated in terms of the commitment by successive Australian federal governments to multiculturalism as public policy. The basis of the investigation is carried out through a thematic content analysis of the Multicultural Policy statements that each government has issued whilst in power, over the last 20 year period.

The findings suggest that prima facie there still exists a commitment to multiculturalism by both sides of politics in Australia when in government. However, also evident were differences with regards to; the commitment to multiculturalism, the form that it should take, and what should a multiculturalism policy entail. Differences which highlight the philosophical and political sentiments of the government of the day and also suggest with regards to the incumbent Australian government, a potential “chipping away” in its commitment to multiculturalism as state supported public policy initiative.

Koleth (2010) Multiculturalism: a review of Australian policy statements and recent debates in Australia and overseas. Research Paper No.6. 2010-2011, Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament of Australia.

Markus A. (2015), Mapping Social Cohesion National Report 2015, Scanlon Foundation and Monash University