Australians Must Work Together Against Intolerance

Australians Must Work Together Against Intolerance

The United Nations International Day for Tolerance is an opportunity for Australians to address issues of intolerance, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services Laurie Ferguson said today.

"Australia's cultural diversity has brought us many cultural and economic rewards and will continue to help Australia prosper in the future," Mr Ferguson said.

"Australians have welcomed seven million people from more than 200 countries to the Australian community since 1945.

"Our cultural diversity is one of our nation's great strengths, but we should never be complacent.

"We still face many challenges, however we must celebrate the great nation we have become, and consider ways we can all work together for the future."

The United Nations' definition of tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.

The International Day for Tolerance was declared following the United Nations Year for Tolerance in 1995.

"Tolerance is not concession or indulgence," Mr Ferguson said.

"Today, I encourage all Australians to embrace our diversity and reflect on how we can all better understand and appreciate our many cultures. We must work together to ensure Australia remains a welcoming and inclusive society."

Media Contact:
Carla Wilshire
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SOURCE: Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services