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January 25^th,2007

MEDIA RELEASE

MULTICULTURALISM MUST BE MAINTAINED

The national body of the Vietnamese Community in Australia expressed serious concern and dismay at the Australian government’s recent removal of the term “multicultural affairs” from its Department of Immigration’s title.

“The removal of the term multicultural affairs is taken very seriously by the Vietnamese Australian community. This has been seen as the government’s abandonment of the policy that has served Australia well and assisted migrants, refugees and people from culturally and linguistically diverse background integrate successfully into Australian society”, said Dr. Tien Nguyen, Federal President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia.

“The government’s assumption that a sole focus on top down approach to integration via citizenship will be successful in uniting Australian multicultural society is unrealistic and grossly naïve.” said Dr. Nguyen

“Multiculturalism as a policy has been a practical and successful means to assist new and old citizens alike to integrate successfully and with respect beyond a citizenship certificate, and thus it must be maintained. Multiculturalism has helped create an economically strong and culturally vibrant Australia.

“The essence of multiculturalism has always been about recognising the right to celebrate diverse individual cultural and heritage backgrounds while uniting as Australian citizens around our common values of democracy, respect for the rule of law, human rights, fair go within our shared homeland. Our love for Australia comes from our appreciation of these Australian values.

“At a time when Australia needs to harmoniously work together to secure a safe and peaceful Australia, any change that is seen as causing cultural controversy such as the abandonment of multiculturalism tends to detract from the above goal.”

“Multiculturalism is something to be treasured, maintained and promoted, not demonised and discarded off for the sake of popularity. I call on both sides of Australian politics to clearly state their stands on this important issue.” concluded Dr. Nguyen.

Media enquiries: Dr. Tien Nguyen 0413 350 968