Multiculturalism at the Heart of Australia’s Future, Says Albanese
Australia’s multicultural character is a key driver of the nation’s social and economic success, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said, highlighting the significant contribution of Asian-Australian communities to the country’s future.
Addressing a multicultural community awards event in Melbourne, Albanese praised the contribution of Australia’s diverse communities and recognised their role in strengthening businesses, education, trade and social cohesion. He began by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land and paying respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Albanese also thanked association president Bihong Wang, state and federal parliamentarians, elected representatives, consular officials, award judges, sponsors, finalists and winners for their participation in the event. Reflecting on his attendance at the Box Hill Chinese Lunar New Year Festival last year, the Prime Minister said he was impressed by the strong community spirit. The event also raised funds for the Paediatric Department of the Eastern Health Foundation, with Albanese encouraging attendees to support the initiative and emphasising the importance of children’s health and wellbeing.
‘Australia has always been multicultural’
Albanese strongly rejected the idea that Australia could or should return to a less diverse past. He said Australia, apart from its First Nations people, is largely a nation of migrants and descendants of migrants who came seeking better lives while maintaining pride in their heritage and contributing to Australia. According to Albanese, the cultural connections of Australia’s migrant communities also provide the country with a significant economic advantage, particularly through trade with the Indo-Pacific region. He highlighted Australia’s major trading relationships, including approximately $326 billion in two-way trade with China, almost $200 billion with ASEAN member states, nearly $100 billion with Japan, around $68 billion with Korea, and approximately $50 billion with India.
“These numbers say it all – our cultural strength and economic prosperity are inseparable,” Albanese said.
Asian-Australian communities driving business and innovation
The Prime Minister also praised the strong entrepreneurial spirit within culturally diverse communities, particularly among young Australians of Asian heritage. He said migrant communities have made a major contribution to Australia’s small-business sector, education system and innovation economy. Albanese highlighted the growing use of technologies such as artificial intelligence by small and emerging businesses, saying these businesses are helping Australia’s economy adapt and grow. He also outlined recent government measures aimed at supporting small businesses and start-ups, including $3.8 billion in new Budget measures designed to reduce taxes, encourage investment and support business risk-taking. The measures include expanding eligibility for the 50 per cent active asset Capital Gains Tax reduction, introducing a two-year loss carry-back for small businesses and making the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent. The government has also introduced measures aimed at supporting the mental health and financial wellbeing of small-business owners. Albanese said these initiatives were being delivered alongside broader economic measures, including job creation, low unemployment and wage growth.
‘Your success is vital to Australia’
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasising the importance of continuing to strengthen multiculturalism and Australia’s engagement with the region. “Your success is vital to Australia,” he told attendees, congratulating the finalists and winners of the awards. He said the contribution of culturally diverse communities extends beyond business and economic activity, helping bring people together and strengthening Australia’s place in an increasingly interconnected region.
The speech reinforced the government’s message that multiculturalism, trade and economic prosperity are closely connected to Australia’s future.
Source: PM – Government of Australia /Media
