Multiculturalism is a central part of Australia’s identity, and the country is considered one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world. It’s a result of the country’s history of migration, which has brought people from many different cultures, beliefs, and traditions.
Canberra, Australia – Multiculturalism in Australia was born out of the ruins of the White Australia Policy and has since formed a central part of government policy across both major parties. It has been instrumental in shaping modern Australia into an inclusive and diverse nation.
In their article in The Australian on 25 January titled Gough Whitlam’s multiculturalism experiment has failed Australia, Henry Ergas and Alex McDermott suggest that Australia’s multicultural project has undermined social cohesion. Their argument ignores key successes and presents a narrow and unbalanced view of Australian society. Their attribution of recent antisemitic attacks to multicultural policies misrepresents what Australian multiculturalism truly means and how it functions.
Multiculturalism as an Asset
Australia’s multiculturalism is built on a foundation of diversity and inclusion—values recognised by successive governments as essential to our national prosperity and global reputation. Far from being a “failed experiment,” multiculturalism has helped shape Australia into one of the world’s most successful, inclusive, and dynamic societies.
Migration has brought significant economic, social, and cultural benefits. Immigrants contribute skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation across industries including healthcare, technology, the arts, and education. Their contributions to our cultural landscape—food, music, literature, and more—enrich the daily lives of all Australians. The notion that multiculturalism has “failed” ignores the substantial role it has played in strengthening Australia’s global standing.
Defining Australian Multiculturalism
We also have one of the most advanced networks of volunteer-based, community-led multicultural organisations in the world. The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), as the peak body representing diverse communities, ultimately supports over 2,000 member organisations. This grassroots model ensures direct engagement between multicultural communities and government, making Australia’s approach unique and effective.
Australia does not own the copyright for antisemitism or any other form of hate. The rise of extremism—whether antisemitic, Islamophobic, or otherwise—is a global issue, fuelled by international conflicts, social media, and the spread of extremist ideologies. It is not a product of multicultural policies, nor does multiculturalism encourage division. On the contrary, it fosters respect, inclusion, and dialogue, helping Australia navigate these challenges more effectively than many other nations. The recent attacks on Jewish communities are an attack on all of our multicultural communities.
A Model to Defend
Australia’s multicultural project remains a success. It is not without challenges, but its positive impact on our economy, social fabric, and global reputation is undeniable. Rejecting multiculturalism would mean disregarding the very strength that makes Australia resilient—our ability to bring together people from all walks of life to create a thriving, inclusive society.
As Whitlam himself said in 1957:
“…Australia is in reality a multicultural nation, in which the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people and of peoples from all parts of the world can find an honoured place.”
We are all beneficiaries of the Whitlam experiment and Malcolm Fraser’s courage in continuing this legacy. Australian multiculturalism is something to be celebrated, strengthened, and defended.
Peter Doukas OAM
Chair
Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA)
