Page 984 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019
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Tolerance and inclusion
Discussion of matter of public importance
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Cody): Madam Speaker has received letters from Miss C Burch, Ms Cheyne, Ms Cody, Mr Coe, Ms Le Couteur, Ms Lee, Mr Milligan, Ms Orr, Mr Parton, Mr Pettersson, and Mr Wall proposing that matters of public importance be submitted to the Assembly. In accordance with standing order 79, Madam Speaker has determined that the matter proposed by Mr Pettersson be submitted to the Assembly for discussion, namely:
The importance of promoting tolerance and inclusion in the ACT.
MR PETTERSSON (Yerrabi) (3.19): I speak today about the importance of tolerance and inclusion in the ACT on the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Canberra is a proud multicultural city that welcomes diversity and fosters not just tolerance but acceptance. Canberra has always been a diverse city, but in recent years Canberra has really embraced its status as a diverse city. The people of Canberra have become more diverse as we have drawn future Canberrans from across the world. I have seen this firsthand in my lifetime. I have even had the great honour of presiding over citizenship ceremonies.
Our newest citizens come from all over the world, choosing Canberra to live in. Each time I am always a little bit surprised by the amazing array of nations our new citizens come from. The one thing that never surprises me, though, is when they say they love Canberra and they find it a welcoming, inclusive and tolerant city.
According to the 2016 census, 26.4 per cent of Canberrans were born outside of Australia, with China, India and the Philippines in the top five countries. A further 13.1 per cent of Canberrans have at least one parent born overseas. We celebrate this diversity and welcome those who want to come to our city and those who have already made it their home. This government recognises the importance of promoting tolerance and inclusion in the ACT. We believe a multicultural Canberra is a strong Canberra.
The 2016 census also showed that the number of households speaking a language other than English stands at 23.8 per cent of the population. Being the nation’s capital, the ACT is naturally home to over 100 foreign embassies and high commissions, with individuals from over 200 nations residing in our city and calling it home. While our community is enriched by the presence of these embassies, our communities are thriving entities all on their own.
In recent times we had the opportunity to see that at the annual Multicultural Festival. It is a lively affair, with well over 100 countries represented through song, dance, cultural displays and, perhaps most of all, food. It is becoming more difficult with the increasing burden of having to make decisions and choose between all of the amazing outlets on the day. This is, however, a good problem to have.
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