Mark Coure, NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, doesn’t mince his words. In a time when community tensions are heightened, and the need for safety and security is paramount, he points to a government lacking focus and resolve. His disappointment stems from a stark and unexplained gap in funding—one that impacts not just numbers on a spreadsheet but lives in real communities. Specifically, the Minns Labor Government pledged a $15 million budget for the security of religious institutions for the 2023-24 fiscal year, yet only $3 million has been allocated.
Coure highlights that Minister Kamper’s recent performance in Budget Estimates has unveiled a leader who is “overloaded and not across the multicultural portfolio.” Such inadequacies become increasingly worrisome given that safety is not a commodity to be rationed but a basic right. Coure is “urgently calling on Minister Kamper to reallocate funding in this program to this financial year,” especially as overseas conflicts continue to escalate, making the need for domestic security more pressing than ever.
While Budget Papers initially promised that places of worship, schools, and community centres would be covered under the funding programme, Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta cast doubts on the specifics. According to him, the NSW Government is yet to finalise guidelines and eligibility requirements for the program. Coure argues that such lack of clarity not only disrupts planning but creates an environment of uncertainty. “Every religious group, institution or organisation has different security requirements depending on their individual circumstances,” he says, and the nebulous stance from the government keeps these organisations in limbo.
If Coure’s party were at the helm, immediate steps would be taken to clarify this situation. According to him, what religious and multicultural communities need is “certainty from this Government” so they can adequately plan and implement measures to protect their congregations. The lack of decisive guidelines reveals a Government and a Minister “out of their depth when it comes to confronting the challenges we face and supporting our multicultural and faith communities.”
When questioned about the appropriate level of funding for securing religious and multicultural communities, Coure refrained from specifying a figure. However, his urgency for reallocating funds within this financial year points towards the inadequacy of the current $3 million budget. This shortfall not only jeopardises immediate security measures but also leaves communities vulnerable to potential risks that could have been mitigated.
Looking at the broader role of the NSW government in promoting a multicultural society, Coure is optimistic, describing NSW as “one of the greatest multicultural success stories in the world.” However, he emphasises that strong leadership is crucial for maintaining this status. For cultural events like Diwali, government involvement isn’t merely symbolic but serves as a reinforcement of multicultural values, playing a significant role in encouraging a harmonious society.
As for Australia’s international image, particularly in the eyes of the global multicultural community, Coure implies that the current Government’s actions risk tarnishing it. According to him, Minister Kamper’s leadership, or lack thereof, could be detrimental to how Australia is perceived on the world stage, especially when it comes to embracing multiculturalism.
Coure suggests that the gap in funding may be symptomatic of a wider issue, highlighting a disconnect between the Government’s promises and actions. According to him, if this is indicative of how the government is treating matters of multiculturalism in NSW, then there’s much work to be done.
Mark Coure critique goes beyond the digits of a disappointing budget allocation; it questions the very competence and commitment of the current NSW Government in ensuring a safe and harmonious multicultural society. According to him, what’s missing is not just funding but decisive, informed leadership. In a time when both are crucial, his call to action resonates with an urgency that can’t be ignored.
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Mark Coure MP @markcourelive criticises Minns Labor Govt for not allocating promised security funds to religious institutions, emphasising the need for leadership & clarity during heightened community tensions. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/bxSCT98jiD
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) October 26, 2023
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