Mr MATT KEAN (Hornsby) [7.29 p.m.], by concurrence: World Day for Cultural Diversity was celebrated on 21 May. One of Australia's greatest achievements as a nation is that it has built a multicultural and diverse society of which we should all be proud. World Day for Cultural Diversity provided all Australians with the opportunity to celebrate our country's diversity and to reflect on the long road this country has travelled with regard to equality and social harmony.
If there is one thing that defines Australian society it is our strong belief in multiculturalism and diversity. Australia is one of the world's most advanced countries and our multicultural heritage enables us to advance and prosper because of the abundance of knowledge and skills provided by our diverse population.
Regardless of our race, religion, sexuality or gender, we are all Australians. Fortunately, the days of the White Australia Policy are long gone, and Australians of all ages and backgrounds can embrace the many wonderful attributes associated with immigration. Each culture throughout the world possesses unique characteristics that have the potential to empower individuals and enrich humanity. Individuals in our society have a gift to benefit those around them and their community. Numerous communities throughout Australia have prospered and benefited from multiculturalism. Before I came into the House tonight I was at the farewell of the Indian Consul-General, Mr Amit Dasgupta, a great leader within the Indian community who has promoted cultural diversity and multiculturalism in Sydney. We are the better for his contribution.
My local community is one such example of the success of building a multicultural society. Residents have come from all sections of the globe and have chosen Hornsby to call home. Although Chinese, Indian and Korean migrant groups account for the majority of immigrants in the Hornsby area, the new census will likely indicate the emergence of new migrant communities—notably Persians, Afghans and Africans. This strong migrant presence adds to the cosmopolitanism of the community and illustrates the area's communitarian ideals and virtues. Since being elected to Parliament I have sought to engage with the various multicultural groups in my electorate, understand aspects of their culture and promote cultural awareness. A few weeks ago I met Ms Cai Ruggler, a settlement officer at Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai councils. Originally from Shanghai, China, Cai assists newly arrived migrants in the local community by helping them address welfare, family and personal issues through classes and activities.
Cai's commitment and dedication, both to the communities she serves and to the newly arrived migrants who benefit from her work, should provide all Australians with a sense of optimism and hope. Assimilation is not an easy process; it requires assistance and support, and individuals such as Cai ensure that this process is managed appropriately. I also regularly attend citizenship ceremonies and am proud to welcome new citizens to our community. As I said earlier, people from all corners of the earth have chosen to live in our beautiful part of the world in Hornsby. I am grateful for their contribution to our community.
I am constantly touched by stories of migrant hardships and sacrifices so that they could live in Australia. The member for Wollongong shares that view, being a migrant herself from the old country, the United Kingdom. She understands the importance of continuing to build on our diverse and multicultural society. Sadly, not all Australians share the same view as the member for Wollongong and me. Not all Australians are tolerant of cultural diversity.
Some people fear diversity and are threatened by it. I share the view of the member for Wollongong: that is shameful. Only through government and community cooperation will our society be able to eradicate these social ills and advance in a more dignified manner. Cultural diversity must be viewed holistically by society. We all have a responsibility to promote a tolerant, diverse, multicultural nation—whether as politicians, community leaders, teachers, community groups or just community individuals. I hope that some day cultural diversity and its many positive characteristics serve as a force for unity rather than division not just throughout Australia but throughout the world.
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