Federal Parliamentary enquiry into Multiculturalism March 2013

This is a long report as all these reports are, and typical of bureauspeak we have on the one hand this and on the other that, so continue with the present system. Therefore the writers cannot be blamed for anything in the report.

Chapter 4 covers “Religious diversity: questions about Islam”

It starts with the Scanlon Foundation Survey which is interesting:

•          91% of respondents believe in maintaining the Australian way of life

•         12% of migrants report of some form of discrimination in 2012, but nearly three times  31% of Muslims report some discrimination.

•          Asylum issues now rank third in importance to respondents after the economy and government. In 2011 7%said asylum issues were their main concern, in 2012 this is now 12%

•          23% had strong negative feelings to people from Iraq and Lebanon

•          25% of respondents were negative to the Muslim faith

•          40% of respondents have very or somewhat negative feelings towards Muslims. This feeling was particularly strong with older people>65yrs, lower education standards, people in financial trouble, residents of Queensland and WA, those outside capital cities and third generation Australians.

Overall Australians are at ease with religious diversity but one in four are uncomfortable with Islam.

Of the 513 submissions received for the whole report, 212 raised concerns or discussed Islam in Australia. 80% of these 212 submissions plus 30 others, maintained that Australia is a Christian country, and should not accommodate other value systems. Respondents believed that Multiculturalism in advocating respect for cultural and religious diversity, supports ethnic separation.

AFIC the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, submitted that Islamic law is changeable,( i.e. not locked in), according to the requirements of different places and times, and therefore suits the values shared by Australian people.

My comment to this is that AFIC is lying and being devious, look what has happened in Europe. The Koran the word of God and the Hadith,  cannot be changed.

The question of Halal certification was not central to the enquiry, but may warrant further investigation.

The report received submissions that Islamic immigration in Europe and Australia are different, and should not be compared. My realiastic view is grow up, Islam is Islam. However, the Tasmanian government urged caution, and that practical policies should support full social and economic participation.

There were several recommendations to continue with interfaith dialogue and support programmes but also to explain that the benefits of cultural diversity be matched with respect for Australian law and values.  Some respondents submitted  that it was marginalisation from mainstream Australia that raised the threat of terrorism not multiculturalism.

The conclusions:

Multiculturalism is an indisputable success story for Australia.

The Galbally report April 1978 “the view of post arrival programmes and services to migration” reports the vision, that multiculturalism respects diversity and fosters engagement with Australian values, identity and citizenship. Within the framework of Australian laws. My view is that this vision is irrelevant now that we have Muslim rather than Christian immigrants.

There is mention of a policy of social inclusion, rights, responsibilities, and obligations. However the report overall gives Government the option to do absolutely nothing to allay the concerns of 25% of the population, and continue with a policy of appeasement.