What are the challenges we face?

Canberra is home to a diverse multicultural community which is an integral part of the fabric of our city. 32% of Canberrans were born overseas; this is a significant part of our population make up. The needs of these communities vary, with some communities well established, and others still finding their way. Some emerging themes include:

• Finding places to come together as communities – particularly for larger groups and those with unique needs. Where facilities are available, these may not be affordable

• Instances of racially motivated intolerance or violence

• Challenges learning English, particularly for the elderly

• Maintaining language skills, particularly opportunities to continue learning in schools

• Skills recognition and the capacity to work in roles commensurate with overseas qualifications

• Uncertainties and delays in the Immigration system can cause stress and make it difficult to plan for the future

• Cultural and spiritual challenges where children of migrant families drift away from the values of their home country or culture

There are some refugee communities who are trapped in cycles of poverty and dependence on welfare because of these issues.

For a summary of the Liberal Party’s proud tradition on support for multicultural Australia please click on ‘Migration” on my History of the Liberal Party page.

How do Liberal Values guide our approach?

Canberra Liberals Values are drawn from the ‘We believe’ statement

Relevant to Multicultural Affairs, we believe:

• In the inalienable rights and freedoms of all peoples; and we work towards a lean government that minimises interference in our daily lives; and maximises individual and private sector initiative

• In government that nurtures and encourages its citizens through incentive, rather than putting limits on people through the punishing disincentives of burdensome taxes and the stifling structures of Labor’s corporate state and bureaucratic red tape.

• In those most basic freedoms of parliamentary democracy – the freedom of thought, worship, speech and association.

• In a just and humane society in which the importance of the family and the role of law and justice is maintained.

• In equal opportunity for all Australians; and the encouragement and facilitation of wealth so that all may enjoy the highest possible standards of living, health, education and social justice.

• That, wherever possible, government should not compete with an efficient private sector; and that businesses and individuals – not government – are the true creators of wealth and employment.

• That our nation has a constructive role to play in maintaining world peace and democracy through alliance with other free nations.

• While we are currently reviewing our formal policies, you would expect that the Canberra Liberals would:

• Promote harmonious relations among all Canberrans, respecting the freedoms of thought, worship, speech and association.

• Recognise that government has an obligation through the planning process to respect the needs of multicultural and religious communities to have access to facilities to meet and practice their religion

• Ensure that all Canberran’s enjoy the same access to information services, resources and support regardless of their background, the eligibility criteria would be based on the individual’s circumstances and need

  • This may involve developing particular plans for enhanced support for communities facing significant disadvantage, to enable their capacity to enjoy the highest possible standards of living, health, education and social justice

• Ensure that mechanisms to consult with multicultural communities are genuinely consultative, not just tick box exercises

• Ensure that the Multicultural Act 2023 remains fit for purpose

Key Support Links

See the Urgent Support Links page for support contacts.