Integration or disintegration: a test for immigrants

Of course all of this is not to suggest that a new arrival here must abandon everything of the home culture. We value and relish our diversity here, be it the various Chinatowns in large cities, the community and cultural festivals, or other celebrations of ethnic origin.

But that can be retained while still seeking to assimilate into Australian life. As the Prime Minister said:

Nobody wants people to forsake their original culture or repudiate it, despise it … There is always a place in your heart for the country in which you were born. But there has to be a greater emphasis on integration into the Australian mainstream. … I've been saying that for 10 years or more and I think most Australians agree.

The ironic thing about this whole debate is that most people who seek to come here presumably think this is a good place to live, perhaps even better than where they are coming from. If that is the case, they should have no problem embracing much of what Australia stands for and believes in. And learning the language should be a welcomed and expected part of this.