Multiculturalism

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. F. Pangallo:

That this council—

1. Recognises that our identity as South Australian is made up of the threads of many stories woven into one intricate tapestry made richer and more vibrant by the contributions of our First Peoples and the migrants who choose to make Australia home;

2. Repudiates racism in all its forms and any retreat from a policy of multiculturalism; and

3. Gives its unambiguous and unqualified commitment to the principle that whatever criteria are applied by Australian governments in exercising their sovereign right to determine the composition of the immigration intake, race, faith or ethnic origin shall never, explicitly or implicitly, be among them.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (20:16): I rise on behalf of the government to support this motion, and recognise that South Australia is made up of very diverse and multicultural community groups. There are certainly many, many stories, and mine is one, as is that of the Hon. Irene Pnevmatikos. We have the Hon. Connie Bonaros, the Hon. Frank Pangallo and maybe many, many others who have come from different countries to make sure our rich tapestry and our diversity becomes a valuable part of South Australian society.

We would also like to pay tribute to the First People. Our Indigenous community has not had the most glorious days in the past, but we are working towards reconciliation and our goal of ensuring that this is their place as well. We value their contribution enormously. We definitely repudiate racism in any shape or form; it should not be tolerated. People should embrace the concept of standing up to racism and prejudice in our community. We must all do our part, as elected members, to stand up and speak for those vulnerable communities who perhaps do not have a voice.

In terms of the motion to support and advocate, state, local and federal governments should all stand up and exercise our rights to ensure there is a balance in our communities. In terms of the immigration intake, that is a matter for the federal government as it is under their jurisdiction. With those remarks, I support the motion.