Multiculturalism is the way to go

Greeks are also a very formidable cultural and traditional community. They are second largest in numbers after Italians and successfully make their contribution known through a range of professions including academia, sports, business and fashion industry. Andrew Demetrio; Chief Executive Australian Football League, and Mark Philippoussis immediately come to mind.

Even if I try I can not overlook the contribution of Sir L.J. Hooker, Dr Victor Chang, Jane Hutcheon, Senator Penny Wong and around 1 million other strong Australians of Chinese origin. They are articulate, hard working and their cultural glimpses always attract you.

It is because of the contribution and achievements of these communities that I remind myself that the best thing that ever happened to Australia as a country was rolling back of the White Australia policy in 1973. That policy impeded growth of the country in the days of its currency. As soon as it was declared redundant a real Australia started shaping up; an Australia that was more diverse, more prosperous and fairer. Today, it is a beautiful home with about 60 per cent of its citizens having at least two different ethnic origins, and 20 per cent or more having four or more ethnic origins.

Today, Australia represents a country with a real fair go. Its citizens enjoy freedom of speech and freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion or culture. Had this not been the case, the proponents of the race card would have won in 1990s.

Today, various Australian institutes acknowledge the value of difference and benefits gained from the cultural diversity of its citizens. This is clearly proved by the number of permanent citizenships granted in 2008-09, which was greater than 200,000. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s government should be praised for this.

When I see the rate of prosperity in our country and compare it with other countries, my belief gets stronger that had we continued with the restricted immigration policy of 1901, we would not have been where we are today. I also say to myself that those who are sceptical about Australia’s future and consider that the increased rates of immigration and population growth will outstrip this country’s resources do not have a belief in the immense power of human kind: the power of innovation and diligence. I say to myself that a garden with many different roses is better than a garden with only one type of rose, so is a country, always better with diverse talents and brains.

America is a glorious example of a great variety of cultures and ethnicities and, when America has prospered why should there be any doubt that Australia will not prosper more if we continue to adopt and further improve our ethnic and multicultural policies. If this is understood as a general principle, there will be no need for people like me to talk to themselves in the future.