I thank them for their continuing contributions to the Australian community. 

I would like to thank Diversity Council Australia for inviting me to speak today.

It is an honour to be here and I understand that the launch of this report is an Australian first—it measures cultural diversity amongst senior leadership teams and their immediate leadership channels.

I would especially like to commend Diversity Council Australia for their initiative, insight and dedication in providing services to businesses in Australia on diversity management, and for leading public debate and diversity research.

It is my pleasure as Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs to be here to talk about the culturally and linguistically diverse workforce we have in Australia today and to acknowledge the contributions of many individuals and organisations.

We are fortunate to have with us today, as Master of Ceremonies, Waleed Aly, a lawyer, academic, musician and in 2011 a state finalist in the Australian of the Year Local Hero awards.

I want to acknowledge the role that Waleed plays as a champion of multiculturalism through his writing and commentary.

Multicultural Policy In February this year the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship launched the Government’s Multicultural Policy.

The People of Australia, Australia’s multicultural policy, will guide the Government’s approach to multiculturalism in Australia.

It embraces our shared values and cultural traditions.

It outlines an unwavering commitment to a multicultural Australia and a multiculturalism of fairness and inclusion.

It also affirms the right for those who choose to call Australia home to practice and share in their cultural traditions and languages, within the law, free from discrimination.

Multiculturalism in Australia works because it is underpinned by our successful settlement model and full enfranchisement through citizenship.

I am so proud to have been given the task rebuilding the policy of multiculturalism in our country – of rebuilding the policy infrastructure that supports cultural diversity.

The policy we announced established for the first time an independent champion of multiculturalism and an independent source of advice on multicultural policy – the Australian Multicultural Council.

The new the 10-member council has an active brief and a strong mandate.

The council itself has prioritised work on productive diversity – on increasing the capacity of Australian industry to capitalise on the benefits diversity brings.

The new council complements the first comprehensive commonwealth anti-racism strategy and the newly appointed full time Race Discrimination Commissioner.

Again a focus of the strategy will be on supporting positive productive workplaces and employment strategies.

Last month we also launched a new panel to conduct an inquiry into the responsiveness of Australian Government services to the needs of Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Central to sustaining a multicultural Australia is a mechanism to ensure that services are developed to match the needs of our diverse population.

The panel is comprised of respected community members and brings together expertise across departments and the community to provide recommendations to government.

We have invested in a new series of grants to fund festivals and events that celebrate our cultural diversity and all the riches it brings to our great country.

The People of Australia is whole of government policy, but it is also a whole of community policy.

It recognises that diversity benefits all Australians, it brings innovation and breath to our thinking.

Indeed in formulating their multicultural policy, each successive Government has sought to articulate the economic benefits of diversity.

Countries which have a migration link, which share Diaspora communities, tend to have increased trade relations.

Since 1945, we have accepted more than 7 million migrants, including 750 000 refugees, under our nation-building migration program.

This has transformed our society and made Australia a more culturally and linguistically diverse home for around 22 million people.

More than three million people speak a language other than English at home.

Around 45 per cent of us were either born overseas or have one or more parents born overseas.

Diversity brings investment linkages, it brings a linguistically flexible workforce and a workforce able to deal across cultures.

Workers that are culturally competent and better able to navigate cultural divides is an invaluable asset.

For Australian business it often means increased problem solving capacity – the ability to look at an issue from many angles and draw on different social, ethnic and cultural perspectives to generate of new ideas.

Economies and societies are not static; they rely on progress and renewal and they are driven and shaped by the ideas and contribution of women and men.

Our economy is one in transition and as the focus of activity shifts towards technology and service sectors; we will increasingly rely on the dynamism of the Australian workforce.

A workforce that reflects the Australian population also positions companies to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base.

It positions companies to tap into opportunities in both domestic and global markets.

The ongoing work of organisations like the Diversity Council Australia is one of the clearest demonstrations of our productive diversity at work.

Dr Jane O’Leary will shortly give us some detail about the survey results, however, I would like to comment on some of the findings that I found to be particularly interesting.

Australians identify with around 270 ancestries—and the findings of this research show that across the board of senior executives and their reporting lines, you already identify with almost 40 per cent of that number.

Senior executives and pipeline executives held citizenship of 65 different countries and represented 107 different ancestries.

Australians speak more than 260 languages—your research identifies with 57 of those languages spoken across the board in the five companies you surveyed.

It is encouraging to see that generally, different cultural and religious groups were represented at levels roughly equivalent to that found in the broader Australian community.

In the global economy, our cultural diversity and our multilingual workforce gives Australia a distinct competitive advantage.

It’s one of the many ways Australia’s immigration program has shaped our direction as a nation.

It has meant our distant shores no longer separate us from the rest of the world; our ties to all nations are cemented by the bond of family and culture.

The Australian Government’s approach to multiculturalism isn’t just about accepting the reality of cultural diversity through a policy document—it includes having programs in place to ensure that all Australians, no matter where they have came from, are provided with the same opportunities to fulfill their potential.

It is about ensuring they become valued and contributing members of our society.

Although Australia is a very successful multicultural society, we must continue to work to promote national unity based on our shared values and aspirations.

It is about building a productive, socially cohesive and harmonious society where people feel they belong and are accepted.

I congratulate Diversity Council Australia and the partners in this project for your goodwill towards developing a survey tool for measuring cultural diversity in the private sector and for your commitment towards a socially cohesive society in a diverse Australian landscape.

My hope is that we can use this wonderful tool to replicate these successes and, through our diversity, help our nation become more prosperous as we move in to the future.

Thank you.

Thank you for your kind invitation to attend this meeting.

It is a pleasure to be here to attend your AGM and to launch your new strategic plan, new name and new logo.

The South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre has come a long way since its beginnings eighteen years ago.

Today it is a vibrant community agency providing services to migrants and refugees in Greater Dandenong and south-east Melbourne.

It’s a great example of the dynamic multicultural society, that is 21st century Australia.

Days like this one provide an opportunity to reflect on the important work you do in assisting refugees and migrants to settle in Australia.

All of us here in this room share the same goal - to help new migrants and refugees to become self reliant and participate equitably in Australian society.

Australians can be proud of our long tradition of supporting new migrants, especially those whose lives were in crisis, people from war-torn countries, and people who faced persecution.

Since 1945, some 725 000 people have come to Australia as refugees and humanitarian entrants.

The Humanitarian Program responds to a global problem of enormous proportion.

At the end of 2010, there were 43.7 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including 15.4 million refugees.

Developing countries host 12.3 million refugees, or 80 per cent of the global refugee population.

Some 7.2 million refugees were stuck in protracted situations, the highest figures since 2001.

Most recently, Australia has experienced the flow-on effect of the global refugee crisis through an increase in irregular maritime arrivals including people from Afghanistan, Iraq and Sri Lanka.

We are facing many complex challenges in working to achieve positive settlement outcomes for new groups of refugees, as well as people that come through Australia’s migration program.

A flexible approach to settlement service delivery allows us to meet the changing needs of those most vulnerable.

With this adaptable, responsive approach, Australia will continue to be a world leader when it comes to the delivery of settlement services.

Every new migrant or refugee wants to move quickly towards full participation in Australian society.

This is why our settlement services focus on building self-reliance, developing English language skills and accessing useful mainstream services in the early settlement period.

How well migrants settle in Australia depends on several factors including their pre-migration experiences, level of education, plans and aspirations, experiences on arrival and access to essential services.

The complexity of the needs of individuals and families has increased.

We now receive many entrants who have lived in refugee camps for many years.

Understandingly, many refugees have low literacy in their own language, a disrupted, if any formal education and little English.

A significant proportion have had limited employment experience.

Many arrive with chronic health needs and have experienced trauma.

Because the needs of every person is different, settlement assistance needs to be tailored to the individual.

This requires care and commitment as well as the necessary resources.

It is a testimony to the remarkable personal strength and resilience of refugees that so many make such wonderful contributors to their new home.

The government’s vision of a socially inclusive society is one in which all Australians feel valued, and one in which they have the opportunity to participate fully, in our democratic society.

Achieving this vision means that all Australians have opportunities, capability and resources to:

• learn by participating in education and training

• work by participating in employment, in voluntary work and in family and caring roles

• connect with people in their local area and use their local community’s resources

• have a voice so that they can influence decisions that affect them; and

• maintain wellbeing in a holistic way.

In all of these there is an implied right of access to the government services that can help achieve these goals.

The fact remains, communities can only access if government services if those services are able to genuinely reach all Australians equitably.

In this regard, I recently announced that a panel of community members – nominated by key portfolio ministers – will conduct an inquiry into Australia’s access and equity policies.

Mainstream services are required to be accessible to all permanent residents and this inquiry will review current arrangements and report back to government with their observations and recommendations.

You, as one of the organisations that deliver services, play an important role in advocating for the needs of individuals and families, so that mainstream government service providers are better equipped to be responsive to these needs.

My department will listen and learn from your insights and experiences.

And together we will work to always improve and adapt. Ladies and Gentlemen, settlement services aim to provide a continuum of settlement services from offshore to onshore and between settlement programs and mainstream services.

We seek to make the pathway to full participation as seamless as possible for each person.

This means, first of all, that the information and cultural orientation we provide offshore through AUSCO, the Australian Cultural Orientation program, is reinforced onshore to provide refugees with every opportunity to develop their knowledge and capacity.

Second, it means that all settlement programs such as Humanitarian Settlement Services, the Settlement Grants Program, the Adult Migrant English Program, Complex Case Support and the Translating and Interpreting Service, are necessarily closely aligned so that individuals and families can find their way easily to available services.

Almost 70 per cent of the current humanitarian intake is under 30 years of age, and this trend is likely to continue. We will ensure the needs of young people are comprehensively addressed.

For this reason, there is a stronger focus on supporting youth — with greater consideration of the individual needs of our young refugees.

As I mentioned before, refugees have remarkable resilience and a great willingness to contribute.

What a better place to apply resources than with those just beginning the journey through adult life.

The active participation of migrants and refugees in the community and our warm acceptance of new arrivals as part of Australian society is a substantial social, cultural, ethical and economic investment in our future.

History has shown that once refugees become fully participating members of the Australian community, they make immense social, economic and cultural contributions.

Earlier this year, the department published ‘A Significant Contribution: The Economic, Social and Civic Contributions of First and Second Generation Humanitarian Entrants’, available on our website, which summarises recent research findings by Professor Graeme Hugo.

This research shows how humanitarian entrants and their children contribute to Australian society— a contribution which increases markedly over time.

In helping refugees we not only help them as individuals we also help them contribute to the overall success and vibrancy of multicultural Australia.

Settlement services are our commitment to provide a means — a path — to achieve full participation and to help them begin their new life.

This is where the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre plays a crucial role and can have a personal impact on an individual’s pathway in Australia.

Each of you play a vital part in helping many of the newest Australians find their place in our society.

The Dandenong region has a long and rich history of migrants settling in and contributing to the region.

Records from the nineteenth century show that there were settlers not only from the United Kingdom, but from South Africa, Prussia, China and Mauritius all living in this area.

Greater Dandenong continues to be home to Australia’s Mauritian community.

Some of those early settlers were involved in market gardening and supplied produce to the Dandenong market.

The market still exists of course, and is testament to the strength and vibrancy of Melbourne’s multicultural community.

In the 1950s large numbers of European migrants arrived to work in local factories, including the General Motors Holden and Heinz food factories.

They were followed by another influx of migrants and refugees from Asia in the 1970s.

Recent years have seen new communities establish themselves – and their shops and restaurants – in this area.

It’s organisations like yours that are making an enormous difference in helping these newest arrivals settle in Australia.

We all know the importance of a positive settlement experience in enabling people to participate fully in society, to feel included and to consider this new land as their home.

The South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre delivers a broad range of services that help people of all ages to have that positive settlement experience.

The settlement services provided by your organisation are an important step in helping people to participate fully in Australian society during those first five years in Australia.

The family group conferences you run with unaccompanied humanitarian minors help a particularly vulnerable group to live independently while remaining connected to the people and services that want to help them.

Your work with job-seekers has supported good workers to find employment, and in turn become self-sufficient, confident and proud members of the community.

Your mentoring of two of Melbourne’s newest community organisations – the South East Liberian Women, Youth and Children’s Association and the Acholi Women’s Association – demonstrates your ongoing commitment to building the migrant welfare organisations of the future.

You have a lot to be proud of in terms of your achievements over the last 18 years of service and support to migrant communities.

I would especially like to recognise the contribution of board member Mr Anton Nadarajah, one of the founding members of the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre, who is retiring from the board after serving 18 years.

He has held the position of Secretary throughout that time, and has made an enormous contribution to the work of this agency.

Anton’s commitment, passion and tireless work have earned him the respect of fellow board members, staff and the broader community.

I congratulate the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre for its new strategic plan.

I commend your commitment to continuous improvement and development of your services.

I extend my best wishes to everyone involved with the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre, and for the start of a new era.

I hereby launch the South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre’s new logo and new name – the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre.

Thank you.

All transcripts are under the videos below and the interviews are captioned.

Senator Kate Lundy speaking on Gov 2.0 at FutureGov 2011 (@katelundy)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Short video with Chris Moore, CIO of the City of Edmonton, Canada
@chrisj_moore | blog
Captions available on the video and transcript below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

 Short video with Andrew Stott, previous Director of Digital Engagement in the UK
@dirdigeng | data.gov.uk
Captions available on the video and transcript below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Senator Kate Lundy – Address to FutureGov 2011

I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are gathered this morning and pay my respects to their elders past and present and thank them for their ongoing contribution to our beautiful community here in the nation’s capital.

For those of you who were unfortunate not to get out for a run or a walk this morning, it was a beautiful morning. I would like to thank FutureGov for hosting this conference here. It is a pleasure to be here to address you.

I’d like to reflect on a number of issues. I’ll start with the questions. Does the government of the 21^st century shape, or conversely merely reflect the health of our democracy and our resilience as a civil society? Well I firmly believe the government shapes both. At a time when unexpected issues like natural disasters, cycles of the global economic financial crisis create uncertainty and there is a need for ongoing leadership in the shape of government and the methods we use to engage with citizens.

How decisions are made and implemented informs the level of confidence and trust held by citizens in their government and in their public administration. Resilience is about the capacity to adapt to consequences of a major event. How governments ensure that we have resilience within our services is a key determinant of success in a very uncertain future.

This means transparency and openness about how decisions are made is a prerequisite to building that confidence and trust and therefore to making sure that our democratic institutions stay strong. In some respects it’s not a new thing. We’ve often talked about evidence based policy; working from the facts, straight forward learning from experience, sharing our knowledge and applying it in innovative ways.

And the digital environment and social networking tools are creating extraordinary and unprecedented new opportunities for engagement between citizens and government. This connectedness across society is changing everything. There are new ways to tackle old challenges.

Ladies and Gentlemen I believe there is a growing hunger among citizens motivated by a desire to contribute to the public good. To make the world a better place, to share their ideas and expertise to meet other like minded citizens, to know more about and get involved in the process. This hunger for participation presents challenges for government the world over.

There is no better time to be contemplating the shape of things to come in our democracy and our future as a resilient civil society. The government of the future will be one that offers an open platform for participation, a safe and secure place to contribute and collaborate, a source of trusted reliable data, authentic engagement where manipulation is demonstrably absent. The character and function of government of the future emerges from the universal values of fairness, opportunity freedom and respect. These values form the basis of the vision this government has for Australia and however we express it, I choose to do it like this.

Australia aspires to an innovative, productive, export-orientated economy to sustain a culturally diverse, socially just and resilient connected and inclusive society in a sustainable environment. Within this statement the framework for policies for a brighter future can be found. In applying the extraordinary opportunity provided by the digital age, I’d like to speak about some of your focus over the next couple of days.

There is the platform, how do ensure universal access to the digital tools that will sustain us in the future. The skills, the knowledge, the confidence, the research and innovation and the engagement and open government. But first to the platform.

The Australian government is the only one in the world that is investing in a whole sale only open access indecently regulated fibre to the premises broadband network. This public investment in the economic and social infrastructure of the 21^st century grew out of years of market failure and flawed competition policy and a lack of vision. It was announced by the government in its current form on the back of the private market having been tested and the senate inquiry that determined that fibre to the node was not future proof. The broadband network has many attributes and I only want to mention two.

First, the bandwidth. The speeds able to be achieved on the fibre network will be unprecedented and able to be updated as the technology at either end continues to develop. The innovation in services and facilities that accompanies the availability of high bandwidth is demonstrable in economic terms with the recent Deloitte research sponsored by Google citing a 50 billions dollar contribution to the economy as a result of building the NBN.

Second, it is the universality of the NBN that means that Australia will be able to close the digital divide. The inevitable closure of the digital divide means that any investment in online services or platforms for engagement will be available, at least in theory, to all citizens. This opens the door to strong public investment in innovation in Australia where other countries are tempered by their reality tat their investments will only ever be for some, not all, of their population. Participation in the online world will not be determined by geographic location or a pare gains lottery, but by skills and knowledge. The internet means that people pull information to them they don’t have to sit and wait for a big push from someone else’s decision.

This takes me to my next point, the skills. The Australian government has made significant investment in the digital education revolution program which has put computers in the hands of the next generation of school leavers. Making them better prepared for the work force. This program is underpinned by a wonderful attribute that Australian’s share.

That is; we are a nation of early adopters. We have a high standard of living and terrific education outcomes relative to other western democracies and we move fast when new services arrive and products come onto the market. This trend is also reflected in our use of social media. Youtube Facebook and Twitter all experienced rapid growth in Australia.

Our cultural diversity also sits as a great asset for Australia in a globalised world. International credentials are essential for ongoing collaboration in social entrepreneurship, commerce science research personalisation. All of these things are great strength and they deserve to be recognised.

Australia also has a remarkable history in the area of innovation. I’m sure that many of you know this, but one of the first computers in the world, CSIRAC was built here in Australia under the leadership of Trevor Pearcey. In whose hour the computer society’s Pearcey Foundation is named. The characteristics of our modern technology innovators are true to Pearcey and his contemporaries humble yet amazing by global standards. The genius and the magnitude of their contribution often not recognised and celebrated enough and still far too often I hear from people overseas about the wonderful reputation Australia has only to find that the Aussie technology solutions so celebrated elsewhere struggle to land a government contract here.

We need to inspire young people into the career options in computing science, engineering, mathematics and informatics. I can’t fathom why it’s getting harder and not easier to fill these courses. The definition of an IT career perhaps is getting harder.

As IT becomes core business it becomes the purview of management at least to provide the leadership to understand the potential of the use of the information technology tools that may determine the success of failure of every business. Without this leadership organisations would simply respond to the shrink wrap solutions and fail to innovate and leverage the potential of digital tools. This is true in both the public and private sector and this takes me onto where I want to spend a little time. That is on open government.

The open government agenda presents governance with a greater capacity for resilience to bounce back from unexpected issues through community engagement and collaboration and I’d like to cite the Queensland disasters last summer and the work of the Queensland police in applying social networking for a first response to give us an understanding as to what was happening on the ground. Congratulations to them for their recent award for this work. I often talk about three pillars of open government.

• Democratising data; making government data openly available generates public trust which is important when it comes to timely information delivery, such as through online communication mechanisms and means.
• Citizen centric services; By designing citizen centric services that helps citizens hep themselves; I compare with interest the contrast between bank services ands government services. I dream of the day where accessing government services online is not just another way to do it but its compelling, its effective, its fun and people want to go there because it gets the job done quicker.
• Participatory government; presenting an opportunity to collaborate and establish feedback loops tapping into every part of society to establish resilience in how government responds to new and emerging issues. Done well this compliments the work both of public servants and elected representatives of parliament.

In the last two years we’ve seen substantial shift in the landscape and policy area. This has placed Australia at the forefront of global trends in Gov2.0. The ongoing strength of our economy means we can continue to progress where other nations are finding they perhaps need to falter on their agenda.

Starting with the Gov2.0 taskforce leading to the declaration of open government; the publishing of “Ahead of the game” the blueprint for the direction of the public service under the chairmanship of Terry Moran, the establishment of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and the cyber community strategy. All of these policy shifts present significant challenges and opportunities for government agencies and departments and these changes define the nature of the Gov2.0 agenda.

Now, in most of my presentations I like to run through a quick checklist of Gov2.0 and I’d like to do the same today. It is about inter-operability, it is about discoverability of data, open standard so we’re not going to have to pay through the nose to get it in the future, it is about trust and transparency, it’s about collaboration and sharing and there is a need to make sure that we are thinking about privacy and security right from the start.

The security imperative grows every single day. To leave it to the last minute as a consideration is pure folly. There are opportunities to, obviously the loud, decentralised services , data centres, cyber security collaboration and carbon footprint. So many opportunities exist here to lighten that carbon footprint through the smart use of technology.

I’d just like to spend a minute on data centres and data sovereignty and how it relates to resilience. Cloud computing is an area of technology that needs to be approached with thoughtfulness. It’s reasonably new and how we integrate it into businesses is something of great excitement, but also of consideration of the privacy and security issues that need to come to the fore. I recommend the AGIMO cloud computing paper which outlines some of the security considerations needing to be taken into account; particularly in approaching it from the public sectors point of view.

With respect, I’d like a word about sovereignty. If a data centre is hosted in a country governed by different privacy laws then a jurisdictional list needs to be considered for the Australian government or public data to be hosted there. I strongly believe that attention needs to be paid to the protection of that data.

Around the world we know that we are leading as a country in this area. There’s a whole range of opportunities that exist. We’ve got great strengths in the geospatial organisation of information in the public sector. There are great opportunities that exist in the release of this information into the private sector to allow in novation to occur. And most all what I’d like to say is unless we procure technology in a clever way then we are not going to be able to innovate across the public sector. There are myriad lessons across the international landscape about what a trap a having procurement system that mitigates against innovation can be.

There’s so much information out there for people to access. The open technology foundation supports open technology standards and methods and just last weekend we had a GovCamp here in Canberra for technology innovators, soon to be a regular event.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are an extraordinary country in the field of ICT and it’s much a part of the cross-fertilization of ideas and innovation between our public and private research and our public and private sectors. Future Gov as a congress presents an opportunity for us to lift up and celebrate those achievements I think over many years, but also a very assertive forward thinking agenda to ensure that Australia retains its place at the forefront of these developments. For all of the strengths I mentioned we are an amazing society. Our innovators and our researchers are world class. Please remember this as you set your own vision and pursue your own aspirations in the work that you do. Good luck with your congress.

I’ve got one announcement to make before I finish and that is that next year in 2012 the major international FutureGov summit is coming to Australia to be hosted right here in the National convention centre. In partnership with the Australian e-Government technology cluster NICTA, they will stage the FutureGov summit in Australia from the 17^th to the 19^th of September 2012. It will bring to Australia more than 75 top level government and ICT thought leaders from across the world. I know the Australian Pavilion will be showcasing over 20 local companies. This is a fantastic opportunity to build our reputation and improve our opportunities for international collaboration.

It’s an exciting time. Thankyou for having me here this morning and good luck in your deliberations.

Short video with Chris Moore transcript:

Pia:

This is Chris Moore, the CIO of the City of Edmonton. Just thought we’d take a few minutes to have a quick chat.

So how are you enjoying FutureGov and what are your thoughts on what’s happening in Gov 2.0 in Australia?

Chris:

Really enjoying FutureGov. It’s a great opportunity for leaders from around the world and across Australia to get together and talk about the future. But for me, I’ve been following what’s been happening in Australia for a couple of years now.

We’ve been really focused on Open Government and Open Data and unfortunately, in Canada, from a national perspective, we’re not leading in the world and I’ve always seen Australia as a world leader.

Part of the challenge is that there’s lots of great things happening here and until you step off the continent and talk to other people you don’t realise all the great things you are doing.

Whether it’s Canada, or the US, or even the UK, people are watching, observing and looking to replicate a lot of the great success that you’re doing.

Pia:

Oh, well that’s wonderful to hear. And what have you thought of some of the case studies that you’ve heard here, what have been some of the standout things that you’ve noticed?

Chris:

Well, for me, and as we’re trying to drive forward with changing government, with transforming government using technology, a lot of the things I’ve heard in the sessions have validated that we’re on the right track.

Whether it’s leveraging social media, or looking at bringing your own device, how we use the cloud, how we can better collaborate with citizens. And so I appreciate coming to an event like this not just to talk about what we’re doing but also to hear what other people are doing and either finding out that we’re on the right track or we’re slightly ahead of the pack.

And you know, in government people don’t talk about competition, but people are looking to be a leader in their country or in the world in certain areas, so people share information but I can always tell that people are making notes and going back to their agency and saying “ok, we’ve got to get ahead of this agency or that country”.

So a lot of great things, but still a lot of work to do.

Pia:

Ok, so just briefly, give us a little bit of an overview of some of the work you’ve been doing, particularly some of the restructuring organisational restructuring that you did, and the impact that’s had now that you’re a little bit down the track.

Chris:

Well one of the things I started a few years ago in IT was to look at how IT was showing up for the rest of the organisation and we needed to change the way we were doing things. We no longer could create sustainable environments by thinking we had to build everything, we had to support everything.

So we moved not just into open data, but into open ecosystems, doing apps competitions, partnering with the local community.

Some of the people in IT are a little nervous because they think they’re going to have to support all these systems at the end of the day. We have made an aggressive move recently into the cloud, our council just two weeks ago approved our move to Gmail and Google Docs, so we’ll be moving off of our Microsoft relationship that we’ve had for 20 years into that new space.

And it’s not just about saving money, it’s about collaborating differently, sharing documents, having a single version of the truth, both within the City and within our partners and our agencies around the City.

So at the heart of it we really had to change the way we were showing up and being IT professionals and giving ourselves freedom to look at alternate solutions and be flexible.

And I hear a lot of people even talk about it here. IT people make a lot of change with systems and technology but at the root of it, they seem to be one group that is the hardest to accept change for themselves.

Pia:

Great, well thank you very much for your time and have a fantastic time in Australia.

Chris:

Great, thank you.

Short video with Andrew Stott transcript:

Pia:

OK, here I am speaking to Andrew Stott, the previous Director for Digital Engagement in the UK, and many other grand titles, I just want to have a chat to you today about how you’re finding FutureGov, and your thoughts on Gov 2.0 and what’s happening in Australia.

Andrew:

Right well, well as last time I was here there’s a lot of excitement about it. People are really starting to think about it, some interesting stuff going on. But still quite a way to go to get confidence in all departments to do it, and I hope people will pick up some of the things that have been done, innovative things that have been done in some departments and they need to think how they can apply it in their own.

Pia:

What have you seen the big changes since you were last here?

Andrew:

Ah, I think they’ve seen more in the sociel media space. I think obviously Queensland Police and things associated with the floods have really given a world class example of using social media. There’s been the data.gov.au refresh that’s happened and a few more data sets on that.

So you see the sort of green shoots coming through, now you’ve now got to think how you build on that and how you build the ecosystem of people and communities round that.

Pia:

And you spoke in your speech that we’ll make sure we link to in this about the importance of collaborating with the community. You wouldn’t mind touching on that a little for people?

Andrew:

Well I think one of the things we’ve learnt is that you’ve got to have the call for data as well as the push outwards, and actually just being presented with a file can be pretty daunting for a lot of people so it’s the support and documentation of that.

Really good stuff done by the Treasury who had an open day for developers using the Treasury COINS database. Got them in and people who produced the data explained how it worked, how it linked together. But then there’s also that ecosystem of entrepreneurs who build innovative businesses using the data.

But then, the big issue we haven’t really looked at yet is how can people feed changes to the data back into government, and I gave the example of where we used crowdsourcing to improve the data on bus stops.

But that was very much an ad hoc feedback, so do we make that feed of getting citizens helping government improve its data.
And on the social engagement, digital engagement side, the question is, we can collaborate but how does the government show it’s listening to that collaboration and taking action as a result of that.

Pia:

OK, and how do you think the UK is tracking, sort of a couple of years on in this. You guys have obviously been doing this since the Power Of Information Taskforce, so there’s a few years back there but how do you think it is tracking now?

Andrew:

I think we’re still learning as we go. Under the new government there’s been a period when transparency has been to the fore, so we’ve released a lot of new data that I think without that political will wouldn’t have been released.

I think we’re seeing new experiments in terms of crowdsourcing policy ideas through the Spending Challenge, Your Freedom, the Red Tape Challenge, and good old stalwarts of digital engagement like the epetition system are being re-energised and we heard today that they’ve now had 600,000 signatures since they’ve restarted.

Pia:

Brilliant. Well I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Australia and look forward to seeing you again.

Andrew:

OK, thank you.

Thank you for inviting me to speak today.  I am truly delighted to be here to help you celebrate a very important milestone, 25 years as the peak body forAustralia’s ethnic broadcasters.

I would like to firstly commend you on this great achievement. I would also like to congratulate all those involved and thank you for your great service to our nation.

Your theme for this conference – Champions of Multiculturalism – is one that is very close to my heart.

Australia has not become the great multicultural nation that it is today by accident – it has taken more than 65 years of dedicated effort – from successive governments, and the commitment of more than seven million migrants and refugees and support and encouragement from the wider community.

SinceWorld War II,Australiahas been changing. In 1945 we had a population of only seven million.

Today, one in four ofAustralia’s 22 million people were born overseas – 44 per cent of us were born overseas or have a parent who was.

We speak over 260 languages, including Indigenous languages, and identify with more than 270 ancestries from around the globe.

Over the last 65 years the growth in our diversity has inspired champions from all parts of Australian Society.

I refer not only to political leaders, who have implemented successive government policies, but also to the many Australians who were champions in their own way. 

These champions might have been an employer willing to offer a newly arrived migrant a job, even though they spoke another language; or a neighbor who opened their home to the new family across the street and showed them where the local shops were, when the bus came past, and when to put the bins out. 

Teachers, willing to make that special effort with kids for whom English is their second language.  And the tireless community sector workers, helping people connect to services, and to make sense of government institutions in their new home.

It is the volunteers who give their time to sharing information, reflecting our diversity in their programs within the community’s broader sector.

Over the last 65 years it is these champions have been at the heart of the success of Australian multiculturalism.

But at the same time, I would also suggest to you, that this heart continues not only to beat, but its rhythm is getting stronger as it responds to the growing diversity by investing in the future and reflects and supports the multicultural character of Australia. 

I can hear the heartbeat in this room.

You are the driving force which does so much to connect communities inAustraliaand keep them inspired.

57 per cent of Australians listen to community radio each month. 100 different languages are broadcast every week from 130 community radio stations across Australia.

Across our cities and regions, in an average week you produce over 2000 hours of community language programs. 

Your mission is to be a voice for multiculturalism inAustralia.

You aim to maintain and connect people with their ancestry, language and culture, counter racism and contribute positively to Australia’s media diversity.

I think it’s wonderful also that the National Ethnic Media Broadcasting Council has representatives that ensure the voices of women, young people and those from new and emerging communities are all heard.

The Government also respects your role as advocates for multicultural community broadcasting.

I want to convey to you here today that I understand how important your work is to our nation – my Government understands how important your work is.

In 2011-12 the government will support the community broadcasting sector through the provision of:

• $2.0 million for targeted funding for ethnic community broadcasting, information technology initiatives and satellite services;
• $0.6 million for the National Training Fund to provide accredited training;
• $2.1 million to assist community radio stations with the costs associated with access to transmission infrastructure and operational costs;
• $3.1 million for community digital radio; and the
• $3 million in new funding for community radio content production in the specialist areas of Ethnic, Indigenous and Radio for the Print Handicapped as well as establishing a new Community Radio Content Development fund.

The government’s increased commitment in 2011-12 follows the provision of record funding of $17.1 million for the community sector in 2009-10 which included funding which was essential to the successful transition of the sector into both digital radio and television transmission. 

In addition, the government will continue to provide community broadcasters with access to spectrum free of charge.

I am immensely pleased that my government provided a $12.5 million boost for community radio broadcasters in the 2011-2012 Budget.

This is an increase of approximately 25 per cent on the 2010-11 funding levels.

The government’s increased support will enable community broadcasters to provide greater levels of locally produced content, such as news, information announcements, community debates and other emerging special interest content.

$1.5 million of the new $3 million content funding introduced in 2011-12 will be targeted towards assisting the development of new content for Indigenous, Ethnic and Radio for the Print Handicapped broadcasting in acknowledgement of their special needs.

The information you convey helps so many. As a government, we are intent on helping people to participate in the full richness of Australian life, as equal members of our society.  

Your role contributes significantly to the Government achieving this.

A big part of this is ensuring all Australians are informed about government services. 

To this end, the government announced in September an inquiry into Access and Equity of government services. 

This was foreshadowed when the Minister launched the new Multicultural Policy in February. 

The Inquiry will be chaired by former Department of Immigration and Citizenship Deputy Secretary, Mr Peter Hughes PSM with recommendations being delivered to the Government by June 2012.

The Gillard Government recognises the vital role which ethnic media plays in relaying information to our diverse communities which they need in order to participate fully in Australian life.

Many of our newest communities find their voice through channels such as community radio and we recognise this importance of this in the settlement journey.

We’ve come such a long way from the early days of ethnic broadcasting inAustralia. 

If you’ll allow me a moment of reflection, I’d like to mention some of the important events for those of you that aren’t familiar.

In the 1930s there were limited Greek and Italian programs on commercial radio stations, which ended with the beginning of World War II.

Then in the 1950s it was possible to broadcast foreign languages, though only 100 words at a time, and it had to be immediately followed by an English translation.

The first multilingual programs appeared in New South Wales in the Riverina in 1951, in Spanish and Italian, providing essential information for newly arrived farmers.

In the 1970s, ethnic broadcasting across radio and television began to really take hold inAustralia.

When the government formally adopted the policy of multiculturalism in 1973, then Minister, Al Grassby, laid the way for the foundation of the first two stations, 3EA and 2EA in Melbourne and Sydney – which broadcast in eight languages.

In 1974, public demand led to the creation of a station for the voices of minority and smaller communities. That station was 3ZZ, and its spirit lives on today through the operation of 3ZZZ.  

Community radio is now Australia’s largest ethnic broadcasting sector.

It is operated by some 50 000 volunteers across Australia, and I think, that would have to be one of my favourite things about the ethnic broadcasting sector – the fact that here is a part of Australia where you can really see our democracy in operation.

It is truly the voice ofAustralia.

I am deeply honoured to be invited here today to help you celebrate 25 years as one of the main advocates of our successful diversity.

You have carried the flag for the sector and been a staunch ally for every emerging community in Australia which has sought a voice.

Conclusion

In concluding today I would like you to take a moment and consider the service you and your volunteers have provided our nation over the last 25 years. 

You have provided members of many of our emerging communities with links to each other, links to other communities and you have helped them feel part of the Australian family – comfortable within their own language and traditions while they discover what it means to shape their own identity as Australians.

Building a new life in a different country is no easy thing, and to many, you have brought help, comfort and reassurance.

Our more established communities have blazed a trail for our younger communities and showed them that inAustralia, every voice is important in the choir of Australian society.

I will be watching with the greatest interest to see how this sector applies its experience and knowledge to grow and prosper as we move into an increasingly digital age. 

I believe that if anyone can meet the challenges ahead, it is this very special group of people here today and the thousands of volunteers working every day acrossAustralia.

I wish you well with this conference and your future endeavours.  Australiathanks you for your incredible efforts.

Thank you.

Acknowledgements

Mr Pino Migliorino, Chair of FECCA, and members of the FECCA executive.

Ms Padma Menon, FECCA Director, and her hardworking team.  I thank FECCA and the Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia for their hard work in organising this conference.

The Hon Jennifer Rankine MP, South Australian Minister for Multicultural Affairs.  Welcome to the portfolio.  I know you will find it as rewarding as I do.

The Hon Nicholas Kotsiras MP, Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Multiculturalism (group).

Senator Richard Di Natale, Green’s Spokesperson for Multiculturalism.

Hieu Van Le, Lieutenant Governor ofSouth Australia.

Helen Szoke, Commonwealth Race Discrimination Commissioner

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Before I begin, the Prime Minister has asked that I read a message from her:

“It is with great pleasure that I send my greetings to the participants of the 2011 Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) conference Advancing Multiculturalism.

Every two years, the FECCA conference provides an important forum to consider key issues relating to our diverse society. It’s also an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the strengths and benefits being multicultural brings to Australian society.

The Australian Government reaffirmed it commitment to multiculturalism in February 2011 with the launch of The People of Australia –Australia’s Multicultural policy and in August 2011 with the launch of the Australian Multicultural Council.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FECCA for its work in representingAustralia’s many diverse cultures.

I send my best wishes to all those attending the conference and hope you all enjoy what I am sure will be a highly informative event.”

The Honourable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister ofAustralia.

Introduction

It is wonderful to be here inAdelaide at what is one of the largest gatherings of our community sector.

The late Don Dunstan, former premier ofSouth Australia, would be smiling upon us. We are all here, partly because of his foresight and legacy.

It is well known that Don Dunstan was an advocate of cultural diversity, and what would later be called multiculturalism.

At the Labor Party’s 1965 national conference, Don Dunstan successfully pushed through a motion to abolish the White Australia policy from its platform.

We owe much to Don Dunstan’s vision, in which people of all backgrounds can have a place inAustralia’s present and future.

It is a vision that has formed the life’s work of many in this room and it has been a precondition for our success as a nation.

Multiculturalism is a policy compact and as such it relies on the intention of Government to uphold cultural rights, to lead in the celebration of diversity, it is a pledge that we will not allow difference to translate into disadvantage. 

Earlier this year Cabinet confirmed that our Government would be guided by the principles of multiculturalism.

In February, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen launched The People of Australia,Australia’s Multicultural Policy. 

He eloquently described the genius of Australian multiculturalism in the context of our successful settlement model and full enfranchisement through citizenship.

There is one particular sentence in the policy document that inspires and motivates me. It is this: 

“Australians of all backgrounds [are] entitled to celebrate, practise and maintain their cultural heritage, traditions and language within the law and free from discrimination.” 

The People of Australia is a policy that articulates the values of the Gillard Government.

It also sets the foundation for a renewal of the policy architecture that supports multiculturalism.

It sees, for the first time, the establishment of an independent champion of multiculturalism and an independent source of advice on multicultural policy.

Launched a few months ago by the Prime Minister, the Australian Multicultural Council, Chaired by South Australian Judge Rauf Soulio, has an active brief and a strong mandate.

The new voice to promote multiculturalism stands alongside the first comprehensive commonwealth anti-racism strategy.

Led by Dr Helen Szoke, our newly appointed full time Race Discrimination Commissioner, it will seek to inform attitudes and set expectations for how we engage with one another.

The Government also announced an inquiry into the accessibility of Government services.

Central to sustaining a multiculturalAustraliais a mechanism to ensure that services are developed to match the needs of a diverse population.

Communities can only been supported if government services are able to reach all Australians equitably.

Today I am announcing that a panel of community members nominated by key portfolio ministers will conduct the inquiry.

The panel will be chaired by former DIAC Deputy Secretary, Peter Hughes.

Peter has a longstanding commitment to access and equity that will be invaluable in guiding the panel, as well as extensive experience in the development of policy and the delivery of services.

The Other panel members are:

• Mr Pino Migliorino, Chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils ofAustralia.
• Ms Maria Dimopoulos, member of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights and International Commission of Jurists and recipient of an Amnesty International Human Rights Award for her work on the legal needs of women from non-English speaking backgrounds.
• Ms Jatinder Kaur, a cultural diversity consultant working in research, policy and social services practice inQueensland.

Judge Rauf Soulio, Chair of the Australian Multicultural Council, will also sit as an ex officio member of the panel.

The panel will have the support of DIAC and social policy departments across Government.

Since the access and equity strategy was last reviewed the administration of Government has changed and evolved.

Indeed, since the establishment of multicultural policy the provision of services has largely devolved from Government agencies to the community sector.

Whether it is in the area of mental health or aged care, job services or mentoring programs – culturally appropriate services need to be considered in the design of future programs.

The driver for this change must be Government, but the partner must be the community sector.

The duty of care obligations – the responsibilities and pressures placed on the community sector are too seldom acknowledged.

Many people in this room have dedicated themselves to occupations that serve the community – you are relied on by some of society’s most vulnerable people.

You are at the coalface of multiculturalAustraliaand often, the glue that holds your community together.

The work community sector employees undertake is valued enormously by all Australians, but the price tag for their services has been undervalued for far, far too long.

I am immensely proud that as a Government we have committed ourselves to support the push for pay parity.

It’s a position that reflects the values of the Government and we are able to pursue it thanks to the fair work system we introduced.

We are supporting the Australian Services Union joint submission to Fair Work Australia in the Social and Community Sector equal remuneration case and this is backed by a $2 billion dollar commitment.

Through pay equity, through the national compact and through a stronger multicultural framework, the Gillard Government is demonstrating our support for the voices in this room.

And I will take this opportunity to convey, on behalf of the Australian Government, my appreciation for the work that you do.

Professionally, personally, collectively.

For it’s your work that enables the Government to achieve our aspirations of building a genuinely inclusive, accepting, civil and fair society.

Conclusion

The topics of this conference have stretched across the spectrum of multiculturalism, from productive diversity, to education, culture, arts, languages policy, settlement and youth.

All are important – the variety of topics speaks to the whole of government character of multiculturalism.

When I came to the portfolio it was noted that I had in fact been given responsibility for a component of everyone’s portfolio. And it’s true. Multiculturalism is whole-of government by definition, and in practice.

The future of multiculturalism is in pushing every area, it is found in the leadership of Government and in the reasserting and reaffirming a commitment to a multiculturalAustralia. 

The future is in a flexible, sustainable policy framework to promote the benefits, and address the needs, of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

We are recognised around the world for our unique approach: from SBS to MRC’s, from settlement to citizenship, from migration to a nation.

Our multicultural society is who we are and—particularly for our young people—it is a fact of life.

They are our future and our future is here.

Thank you.

•  Mr Mark Getchell, IOM Chief of Mission in Australia
• Mr Harold Grant, former IOM Chief of Mission in Australia
• Mr Jorgen Steen Olesen, former IOM Chief of Mission in Australia
• Your Excellencies
• Mr Andrew Metcalfe, Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship
• Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen

Traditional Welcome

 I would like to begin by acknowledging and paying my respects the traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on today, the Ngunnawal people, and thank them for their continuing contributions to the Australian community.

I am very happy to welcome you to the celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the International Organization for Migration, and I extend my warmest congratulations to all current and former IOM staff members present here.

You have a lot to be proud of in terms of your achievements over the last 60 years of service. 

Since its creation,IOM has become a leading international agency working with governments and civil society to advance the understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

IOM and Australia

Australia was among the sixteen governments that formed the original membership.

Since then,IOM’s philosophy of open engagement has seen the organisation grow in stature and in membership – from just 16 countries in 1951 to 132 member states in 2011. 

Though a period which has seen increasingly complex movements of people, IOM has been a stabling force and unfailing partner.

We value your cooperation and ability to deliver a wide range of services for the effective, efficient and humane management of migration in all its forms. 

I am proud that for the past five years, Australia has been one of the top ten contributors towards IOM projects. 

For example, in the last calendar year, Australia provided funding of USD 40.9 million in earmarked voluntary contributions towards domestic, regional and global projects with IOM. 

This is in addition to Australia’s annual contribution towards the ongoing administrative costs of IOM. 

IOM has done some very significant work during the last 60 years and a recent example was during the Libyan crisis.

In April this year, Australia contributed AU$2.5 million for both the sea evacuation of around 1000 civilians from the Libyan city of Misrata and for IOM’s operations in response to the Libya crisis, including provision of food, medical supplies and two ambulances for use in Misrata.

In July this year we were honoured to welcome the IOM Director-General Ambassador William Swing to Australia. 

His visit provided a timely opportunity to further strengthen our relationship withIOM. 

IOM’s 60^th Anniversary

Next month Australia will be honoured to join many other countries in the commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the organisation at its home in Geneva.

The anniversary will be a time to reflect on the strengths of the organisation, tackle a range of pressing problems and raiseIOM’s profile by promoting the work of the organisation.    

I commend IOM for its strength as a flexible, adaptable partner and for being effective at delivering activities that respond to the needs of its member states. 

We value this ability and believe that it is a great advantage that makes the organisation unique and well prepared to respond to a variety of issues.

The demand for IOM will likely continue to grow over the next twenty years – it is fortunate that 60 years ago, the international community had the foresight to create an organisation capable of meeting this demand. 

 AUSCO and HSS

Today I would also like to acknowledge both the Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) and the Humanitarian Settlement Services (HSS) orientation trainers who are here at the event.

They are in Canberra attending the inaugural combined conference between offshore and onshore orientation providers. 

Australia has a long and proud history of resettling people in humanitarian need and the Australian Government is committed to helping people who have been granted refugee and humanitarian visas to become active participants in the community.

AUSCO and HSS programmes are a reflection of that commitment. 

AUSCO is an orientation programme that prepares refugees and humanitarian entrants for life in Australia.

The program provides practical advice and the opportunity to ask questions about travel to and life in Australia. 

AUSCO is funded by my Department and delivered by IOM, in-language and in a variety of settings, including refugee camps and urban centres in a number of locations in Africa, Middle East, Iran, South East Asia and South Asia.

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to teach an AUSCO class at the IOM transit centre on the Thai Burma border.

It gave me a firsthand impression of the challenges that refugees face and the importance of the work that the IOM undertakes. 

In recognition that humanitarian entrants often face additional challenges to those faced by other migrants, they receive specialised assistance during the initial settlement period upon arrival in Australia.

The inaugural combined conference is a wonderful example of how we can engage front-line staff across programs to help in providing a continuum between offshore and onshore assistance to people settling in Australia.

This type of cooperation and engagement I believe will ultimately deliver better long-term settlement outcomes.

The work of both IOM offshore through the AUSCO program and our onshore trainers through the HSS program, plays a huge role in helping some of the most vulnerable members in our community.

Their work helps refugees to rebuild their lives, develop the skills and knowledge they will need in the initial settlement period and provides a strong platform for them to make their own valuable contribution to Australia.

I would like to take this opportunity, while both onshore and offshore trainers are present, to formally launch the onshore orientation program.

The onshore orientation program is one of the major enhancements to refugee settlement services which commenced in April this year.

It sees the introduction of a structured orientation program, covering topics such as Australian values and laws, budgeting and nutrition, and health and education systems.

The program aims to build on and reinforce the messages provided offshore through the AUSCO program, which IOM has delivered extremely well over many years.

Building a new life in a foreign country is a lifelong process. Settlement is therefore properly understood as a journey not an event.

In recognition of this, the onshore orientation program focuses on equipping newly arrived refugees with the skills and knowledge they require to start their settlement journey.

The orientation program is outcomes based, focusing on developing understanding and capacity across a range of core competencies, including topics such as:

• tenancy rights
• personal safety
• Australian law
• child protection laws
• financial management
• education
• health, and
• family life.

The program is based on an assessment of the person’s circumstances, with the timing and pacing of the orientation sessions adapted to suit each individual’s needs.

The Government has also developed a public information booklet on the onshore orientation program in line with this evening’s launch.

It provides a broad overview of the program, the principles which underpin it and the National Orientation Framework that governs its delivery.

The booklet also includes personal accounts of new arrivals who have attended the program, profiles of some local organisations who deliver sessions in their area of expertise and examples of government agencies which have developed resources to support the program.

I wish all those attending the combined conference over the coming days a rewarding and productive experience.

With the combined strength, determination and creativity of the people you work with day in and day out, I look forward with confidence to a successful settlement future for humanitarian entrants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, I extend my best wishes to everyone involved with IOM and for your celebrations marking this 60^th anniversary.

You have every reason to celebrate your many achievements and successes over the last 60 years, and I congratulate you on reaching this significant milestone.

Thank you.

Parliamentary Colleagues – State and Federal

Your Excellencies and Consular representatives           

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

Let me begin by acknowledging and paying my respects to the traditional owners of this land on which we meet today, the Cadigal people.

I thank them for their continuing contributions to the Sydney community.

I also acknowledge and pay my respects to other indigenous people who are present this evening.

I am honoured to be here today representing the Prime Minister – The Honourable Julia Gillard MP.  

She sends her apologies and has asked that I read a message from her:

It is with great pleasure that I send my best wishes to everyone attending the gala presentation dinner of the Ethnic Business Awards tonight.

Since 1988, these awards have recognised the business success stories of people from diverse backgrounds and have provided an opportunity to promote an appreciation of the contributions overseas-born Australians have made to our community.

Australia has benefited from the rich cultural traditions and enterprising spirit of people who have migrated from all over the world, or who have sought haven here.

I welcome the contribution you have all made to our strong and vibrant nation and its economy.

These awards also recognise the contribution of thousands of Indigenous Australians currently running their own businesses through the introduction of the Indigenous in Business Award.

Indigenous business owners across a range of sectors are providing the dignity and benefits of work to many Australians and I thank them for their hard work and dedication to their local communities.

I congratulate the winners of tonight’s awards and those who have been named as finalists.

I once again send my best wishes to all attending the gala presentation tonight and hope it is both enjoyable and memorable.

Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia

Ladies and Gentleman, I feel a great privilege at being invited to speak at this, the 23rd Annual Ethnic Business awards.

Since last year’s ceremony in Perth, the Government launched Australia’s new multicultural policy.

It re-affirms our unwavering commitment to multiculturalism and to the benefits of diversity.  

The first principle of the policy states that “The Australian Government celebrates and values the benefits of cultural diversity for all Australians, within the broader aims of national unity, community harmony and maintenance of our democratic values.” 

Tonight is very much about recognising and celebrating the contribution that a single industrious soul can make to their community and to their country through their business leadership and acumen.

In that spirit, I would like to begin by acknowledging the extraordinary work of one man – our host and the founder of these awards, Joseph Assaf.

His own story is articulated in his superb reflections, “In Someone Else’s Shoes” which traces his journey as a migrant to Australia.
From these humble beginnings Joseph, amongst other achievements, has built this event over 23 years.

His determination has created the longest running business awards in Australia, awards that have been broadcast annually for more than two decades, thanks to SBS.

Joseph’s vision has created a prestigious platform to collectively acknowledge and applaud the pioneering spirit, tenacity and drive of many who have settled in Australia and contributed enormously to our economy.  

Joseph has not just created an event. He has driven a shift in Australian culture: to recognise the benefits of immigration and the contribution of migrants.

Tonight we again celebrate the inspirational business achievements of those born overseas.

We also take time this evening to celebrate the business achievements of Indigenous Australians.

The 2011 Ethnic Business Awards finalists include: a former refugee who developed a life saving heart device, an entrepreneurial migrant whose culinary instincts drove him to open the Australian palette to sushi, migrants who have fled war-torn regions and a member of the Stolen Generation.

Our cultural diversity and our multilingual workforce give Australia a distinct competitive advantage in the global economy.

It’s one of the many ways Australia’s immigration program has shaped our direction as a nation.

It has meant our distant shores no longer separate us from the rest of the world; our ties to all nations are cemented by the bond of family and culture.

Economies and societies are not static; they rely on progress and renewal and they are driven and shaped by the ideas and contribution of women and men.

Our economy is one in transition and as the focus of activity shifts towards technology and service sectors; we will increasingly rely on the dynamism of the Australian workforce.

Migration has brought a broad array of skills and knowledge to this nation, the application of which has led all Australians to enjoy a better standard of living. 

However, as these awards acknowledge, it is the connections and the innovation that diversity has fostered which will see a prosperous Australia in the 21^st Century. 

To quote from our host: “Diversity has been Australia’s single most important catalyst for innovation and creativity in its social, artistic, and economic development.”

And so it will continue to be into our future.

Congratulations to all the finalists, the judging panel, and everyone involved in the 23rd Annual Ethnic Business awards. 

Thank you.

Let me begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of this land on which we meet today, the Gadigal people.

I pay my respects to their elders, past and present, and I thank them for their continuing contributions to the community.

I’m pleased to be here, representing the Minister for the Arts, The Honourable Simon Crean, who was unable to attend due to Cabinet commitments.

The Government has announced that it is developing a new national cultural policy – this is a key undertaking for the Government and number one priority for the Minister for the Arts.

On Simon’s behalf, I look forward to speaking today about some of the reasons this policy is being developed and progress in this area.

Also here is Richard Eccles, Deputy Secretary in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, with responsibility for the arts and sports.

We’d both like to hear from you while we’re here today, to find out your views, and answer questions, in relation to where we are heading, and any ideas about the National Cultural Policy.

There will be a more formal consultation process around the policy – but in the meantime we are very keen to hear your views.

Australia’s new National Cultural Policy will be a strategic framework that provides clarity and focus for what Australia wants to achieve over the next ten years.

This framework will highlight the role that arts and culture play in our modern Australian society, and strive to connect with all Australians. 

It will underpin other priorities identified by the government, and will ensure that arts and culture are accessible and relevant for all Australians.

Government’s commitment to put arts back on the map

In the lead-up to the last election, we made a commitment to the Australian people that a Gillard Government would put the arts back on the map through several major initiatives.

The Government is committed to maintaining support of the major performing arts sector and a new support framework – which has been developed after consultation with state and territory governments and the major performing arts companies -  will be considered by the Cultural Ministers Council when it meets in August.

Steps are currently underway to finalise a strategic contemporary music industry plan.

And the Government has responded to the 2010 review of the Australian screen production industry – by announcing a $56 million restructure and funding boost over four years to further support the sector.

And of course, the major feature of the election commitment was the undertaking to develop a national cultural policy, which I will come back to shortly.

To help deliver these commitments in 2010, the Government established the Office for the Arts, transferring functions from the former Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts to a central agency, the Department of the Prime Minister; and we have a very senior Minister for the Arts.

This means that the arts and the creative agenda are back at the centre of policy discussion – so that when the government gives consideration to how we can advance broader economic and social policy objectives, our arts, creativity and cultural initiatives are front and centre.

The Office for the Arts is in the midst of a major review (being undertaken by Harold Mitchell) into private sector support for the arts and culture – looking at philanthropy, sponsorship and other links between arts and creativity and the private sector.

There are also other reviews underway  which will shape Australia’s future cultural, media and communications environments – notably the Convergence Review and the Review of the National Classification Scheme.

National Cultural Policy

The development of a new national cultural policy – the first in nearly 20 years – is timely. Australia has undergone major change over the last two decades and the cultural sector and global environment have changed significantly.

New methods of communication have changed the way we access and connect with arts and culture. There has been huge growth in our creative industries, highlighting the need to develop new skills and provide career pathways. And our young people provide a new, tech savvy audience and, with many more making their own art, a new generation of creative talent is emerging.

The Minister sees the development of this Policy as an opportunity to reassess the framework which guides Australian Government support for the arts and culture sector and to consider significant changes to the way we work in, enjoy and participate in Australia’s arts and cultural life.

It is an opportunity for the Minister and the Government to increase understanding of the issues and priorities of people and organisations across the cultural sector.

Through the National Cultural Policy, we want to ensure that Government investment in arts and culture underpins other priorities, for example, the national broadband network, our broader innovation agenda, and education and skills for the future.

The Minister is particularly keen for the new policy to include a vital focus on the development of career pathways to support the next generation of talent in Australia’s creative industries and the arts.

For the Minister there is also substantial cross-over impact on his ministerial responsibilities for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government.

The Minister calls this ‘joining the dots’ – creating links between arts and industry, regional areas, social engagement and education.

In developing a National Cultural Policy,  it will be  important to recognise the conditions in which these goals can be achieved, and, at the same time, acknowledge that we are working in an environment where there is competition for limited government resources.

This requires tough decisions, but also highlights some opportunities – to rethink the way things are done now, to reflect on what things are done well, and to consider what we could be done better.

The importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving our goals cannot be understated. Many of these networks are in place but many more can be created to make the most of each others’ strengths.

We need to consider new ways to support the sector and new models for promoting stronger engagement between arts organisations and the philanthropic and business communities.

We also need to look closely at the many positive roles government can play in supporting Australia’s cultural life and how this reaches far beyond the dollars, recognising the diverse ways government can and does support the arts and creativity.

Australia needs to leverage this support to drive funding further by building a broad set of partnerships. This will also help diversify and broaden the funding base for arts and cultural activity and organisations to contribute to long term effectiveness and resilience.

Next Step – Consultation

The next step is consultation and to this end, a discussion paper which further outlines the scope of the new national cultural policy, will be released shortly. This will be the basis for consultation in the later part of this year.

This builds on earlier consultation (undertaken by the former Minister for the Arts) which had indicated the need to consult more widely. I know the Minister is keen to have broad discussion with you in this consultation context.

We know the creative industries and the arts have a reputation for energy, entrepreneurship and innovation, so in the framework of government policy, it will be your ideas and your initiative which will drive this policy vision into a new era of creative growth.

Again, thank you for extending me the opportunity to speak her today.

I would like to now invite question for either Richard, or myself.

 ENDS.

May I welcome to the Chamber – members of Canberra’s Southern Sudanese community.

I want to thank Abraham and Guem for organising for representatives to come to Parliament today.

Independence is a significant step forward for a peoples and region that has suffered considerable humanitarian and security challenges for many years. 

This Saturday will mark a new beginning for the southern Sudanese community.

It will start the process of rebuilding, a sense of community, of belonging, and of membership.

This Saturday will begin the road to development and the process of self determination.

This is a special day – not only for the residents of South Sudan, but for the Diaspora communities around the world.

Australia is home to 29,000 Sudanese, most of them refugees who fled among the chaos of war and upheaval.

Indeed, Sudanese are one of the fastest growing communities in Australia, growing 34 per cent each year on average over the last decade.

This weekend will be a proud moment for Australia’s Sudanese community.

You have a home now here in Australia – but there is a sense of relief and security in the creation of a new homeland of South Sudan.

It is a homeland that many here in Australia voted to create.
The overwhelming support for independence by voters in South Sudan was expressed strongly on 9 January this year.

The referendum resulted in a very high voter turnout and 98 per cent of voters in support of independence.

I note that this Government was pleased to provide support for out-of-county voting in the January referendum, which made Australia the largest voting site outside of Africa with 9,202 votes.

Such strong support for independence is a solid base for this newly formed country to move forward as one, towards a common goal.

Many South Sudanese Australians have suffered unimaginable losses of family, country and community.

The process of rebuilding is not going to be easy. 

However, as indicated by our Foreign Affairs Minister, Australia has supported and will continue to stand by South Sudan through this time.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Government’s commitment to help – to assist the development of this new nation

In 2011 -11 the Australian Government contributed $23 million to Southern Sudan including $4 million for the conduct of the referendum, $3 million to the United Nations Development Programme, $1 million to the International Organisation for Migration and assistance for Sudanese voting within Australia.

This funding is assisting the nation’s development process directly after the referendum to provide health, education and other essential services, specifically to ensure that women and children are taken care of.

This contribution is also in addition to the $113 million already given to South Sudan in humanitarian assistance since 2004.

I was also pleased that the Australian Government will look to provide $10,000 to assist the Federation of the Southern Sudanese Community of Australia for the community celebration in Melbourne this weekend.

In all the celebration that will occur this weekend, it is especially warming to know that a number of southern Sudanese who have come to Australia as refugees and have been welcomed into this country, have gained permanent residency and will now be returning to Sudan to form parts of the administration of this newly emerging democracy.

That Australia could play such an important role to assist in the future and stability of this new nation is truly humbling. 

For people to be able to feel that they can use skills and education learnt in Australia for the rebuilding of the country they once fled in fear of persecution is a once in a lifetime honour.  

It makes me truly proud of our settlement services and the work they do to support refugees and asylum seekers in Australia and demonstrates the positive role Australia can play as a global citizen.  

I would now like to read my motion which was agreed by the senate today:

1. It notes that:

(i)    On 9^th July two new nations will emerge, the nations of South Sudan and Sudan. This follows an overwhelming vote for independence by voters in South Sudan’s referendum for independence on 9^th January. Their futures are interdependent and their stability has broader regional security implications for north and east Africa.

(ii)  The emerging picture confronting both new nations is dire and with significant political, humanitarian and developmental challenges. The overall security situation in Sudan is deteriorating at an alarming rate, with severe humanitarian consequences with millions of civilians in both Sudan and southern Sudan in need of protection and critical humanitarian assistance.

(iii) Sudan, after Zimbabwe, is the second largest recipient of Australia’s humanitarian and development assistance. Since 2004, the Australian Government has provided $136 million to Sudan.

(iv) The North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in 2005 ended over two decades of civil war.  Recent violence, and outstanding issues such as border demarcation, oil sharing revenue, currency and citizenship status, are undermining prospects for peace and stability.

(v)   Sudan has the highest level overall of people remaining internally displaced according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the highest number of people newly displaced by conflict. The plight of IDPs and Sudanese refugees will therefore continue to be a shared legacy of decades of conflict.

2.   Expresses deep concern at the protracted nature of the conflict and displacement in Darfur, now in its eighth year. The UN estimates that 300,000 people have been killed as a result of violence, malnutrition and starvation and 4 million people are in desperate need of aid, representing nearly two thirds of the entire estimated Darfur population of 6.5 million. An estimated 2.5 million people live in refugee camps in Darfur and neighboring Chad, while others struggle to survive in remote villages.

3.  Notes that humanitarian relief efforts to provide assistance to vulnerable populations are being hampered by limited humanitarian access in some of the most affected conflict areas including in Southern Kordofan and Darfur. Insecurity and inaccessibility remains one of the biggest challenges facing the delivery of assistance by humanitarian agencies to vulnerable populations.

4.   Urges the Government of Southern Sudan and the Government of Sudan to reaffirm their commitment to peace, conflict prevention, the inclusion of the peripheral regions and ethnic minorities in political representation and decision making, and the recognition of cultural and ethnic diversity through durable political solutions.

5.   Encourages the Australian Government to continue assistance to address humanitarian and development needs in Sudan and South Sudan.

The NADC heads a network of eight state and territory Australia Day affiliate organisations and some 780 local Australia Day committees. Tomorrow the Prime Minister, along with the NADC, will launch the call for nominations for the upcoming Australian of the Year Awards. The Prime Minister will be joined by the council chair, Adam Gilchrist AM; Australian of the Year, Simon McKeon; and Young Australian of the Year, Jessica Watson. I strongly encourage my Senate colleagues and members of parliament to get behind this prestigious national awards program and see if they can get along to that launch tomorrow morning.

As parliamentarians, we are always privileged to hear the great things happening in our respective communities. We often learn about extraordinary individuals who work tirelessly to make life better for others or who achieve amazing things. This award program presents each of us with a unique opportunity to pay tribute to these dedicated and inspirational people. The local insight that is gathered and the passionate community involvement associated with these awards is also extremely valuable in ensuring the continued success of the awards, which recognise Australians from our very diverse backgrounds. For more than 50 years, we have been naming an Australian of the Year. In recent years we have also presented awards for a Senior Australian of the Year, a Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.

The honour roll of past recipients is a veritable who’s who of our nation’s modern history, with many inspirational Australians from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds being honoured. The list includes people from a wide range of professions and interests, scientists, medical professionals, sportsmen and sportswomen, humanitarians, historians, artists, entrepre­neurs, philanthropists, military people and people active in the volunteering and community sector. Each of our past Australians of the Year has had a clear vision and a driving passion that helped inspire Australians to their cause and make them truly worthy recipients. For example, the late Lionel Rose MBE received the Australian of the Year Award in 1968 for being an inspirational Australian and international sportsman. He was recently remembered and celebrated with a state funeral in Victoria. He received the award after becoming the first Australian Indigenous world boxing champion. It was also the first time an Indigenous Australian had been honoured with the Australian of the Year Award. Since then, many Australians from a wide range of cultural backgrounds have received this honour. You will have heard about the 2011 national award recipients announced by the Prime Minister on the eve of Australia Day earlier this year.

Simon McKeon, the 2011 Australian of the Year Award recipient, is a social entrepreneur who uses his position and expertise to encourage the big end of town to better support those in need, not just with money but with skills. Simon’s message is to take the skills you have, be they in finance, marketing or public policy, and put them to use for the community’s benefit and to support the community sector. As well as Simon, the current Australian of the Year recipients are Professor Ron McCallum AO, Senior Australian of the Year for 2011, for his service to the law and many charitable organisations; Ms Jessica Watson, Young Australian of the year for 2011, an inspirational young woman who sailed around the world last year; and Dr Donald Ritchie OAM, Australia’s Local Hero for 2011, who received his award for being a dedicated suicide prevention advocate. If you have not read all of these people’s stories, I urge you to. They are truly inspirational and give substance to the nature and character of these awards, which honour many diverse achievers across our community. The Australian of the Year Awards are one of the country’s most highly valued and well-respected active citizenship programs. They recognise and promote outstanding Aust­ralians making special contributions to our nation and to our way of life. The awards also promote community engagement, another pre-eminent celebration of being an Australian through the award program.

I would like to say just a few words about process. These awards can be bestowed on any Australian. However, to be considered for an award, a person must first be nominated, and that is what makes this program unique. All nominations are received by the NADC and, after the nomination period, which runs for two months, the nominations are sorted out by state and territory. Each state and territory has a selection panel, which is chaired by the local Australia Day organisation and includes community representatives, NADC representatives and program sponsor repre­sentatives. These state based selection panels then choose four finalists for each award category, with one of the finalists becoming the state or territory award recipient. State or territory award recipients then progress to the national level of the awards and become the national finalists. The board of the NADC then selects the national award recipients in all four award categories. The Prime Minister, as many people would know, announces the Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian and Australia’s Local Hero on the eve of Australia Day.

Many of us have had the privilege and excitement of being at this ceremony, which has been held on Federation Mall, in front of Parliament House—along that beautiful land axis of the Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony plan of Canberra, where the pinnacle of Mt Ainslie flows down to the War Memorial along Anzac Parade, across the lake to Commonwealth Place, Reconciliation Place, Old Parliament House, Federation Mall and of course Parliament House here on this hill. The visible backdrop to the awards ceremony, many Australians—as it is televised—find completely inspira­tional. We have been lucky with the weather—on a beautiful summer day, on the eve of Australia Day—that all Australians can see their national capital hosting this very prestigious award.

Nominations for the 2012 Australian of the Year Awards are open to 31 August 2011. More information can be found on the website. I urge everybody, all my Senate colleagues and members of parliament, to promote these awards in their communities, to nominate someone you consider worthy of recognition. I say to all Australians: if you know someone who is, in your view, worthy of this recognition, then you have the opportunity to make that nomination. Consider who you think makes us proud to be Australian and encourage people in your communities to do the same.

Having attended that ceremony, I know that it is both poignant and moving to hear and read the tributes and citations of those nominated. It is truly a wonderful celebration of what it is to be Australian. I commend the NADC and Australian of the Year Awards.