multiculturalism_matters

Australia's history with immigrants may help the Czech Republic and the rest of the EUSeptember 26th, 2007 issue, By Ian K. Forsyth

Australia’s experience with multiculturalism may be an interesting reference point for Europe and the Czech Republic.

Mingling of peoples of different heritages and cultures in Europe has not always been positive. Throughout history, the conquest of various peoples and places has often resulted in oppression and exploitation of minorities.

Yet multiculturalism is of growing significance, with the development of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement, which gives EU residents more freedom to travel quickly across country borders. There’s a new wave of economic migration across Europe, and it affects all of the countries.

As the Czech Republic adopts the Schengen Agreement later this year and continued strong economic growth leads to shortages in particular areas of its work force, the issue has come to the forefront.

So what has been Australia’s experience?

Australia is a nation built on migration. Its population of 21 million has come from some 200 countries. Almost one in four of our residents was born overseas. Since World War II, we have been the third highest recipient of refugees in the world.

Most of this migration has been the result of carefully managed migration policies. Over the past 35 years, these policies have, notably, been non-discriminatory with respect to nationality, race, ethnicity, religion and sex.

Australian officials have actively encouraged and fostered multiculturalism during this time period. They have held firm to the belief that no Australian should be disadvantaged on the basis of their country of birth, cultural heritage, language, sex or religion. Migrants have been encouraged and assisted to retain and respect their heritage, including their language.

While English is our working language, almost 150 languages are taught in Australia today. Over time, our main source of migrants has shifted from Europe to Asia. People from Sudan currently make up the fastest growing birthplace group of migrants to our country.

Although Christianity is Australia’s predominant religion, other religions, including Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism, have shown the biggest proportional increase in recent years.

What has been the outcome of this experience? Has it been a positive one?

These questions were answered with an unequivocal “yes” during the recent visit to Prague by two exceptional Australians of Lebanese heritage.

The first was Professor Marie Bashir, who, as governor of Australia’s largest state, New South Wales, now occupies the first public office created in Australia. Governor Bashir also holds the honorary elected position as chancellor (rector) of Australia’s oldest university, the University of Sydney. A medical doctor, psychiatrist and administrator, her many achievements include being an Australian “mother of the year.”

The other visitor was the governor’s husband of 50 years, Sir Nicholas Shehadie. Sir Nicholas is a former captain and manager of the iconic Australian Wallabies Rugby Union team. He was the first non-Anglo-Saxon Lord Mayor of Sydney, and has been chairman of the Australian multicultural TV and radio network, SBS.