As she travels through Bangladesh and India this week to strengthen ties across the Indian Ocean region, Minister for Small Business, International Development, and Multicultural Affairs, Anne Aly, has penned a powerful reflection on Australia’s multicultural identity. Writing in Hindustan Times, Aly reasserted that diversity is not a political slogan but “a true reflection of our national identity.”
“In Australia we value the rich diversity of our multicultural identity, underpinned by a commitment to pluralism and the inalienable right to belonging,” she wrote. “We do not take this for granted.”
Aly’s comments come in the wake of recent anti-immigration protests around the world, some of which reached Australia in August. “Like the majority of Australians, I was dismayed to see a number of anti-immigration protests unfold around the world earlier this year,” she said. “It was particularly saddening for me to see these protests reach Australia in August.”
She acknowledged the hurt caused by the rhetoric at those rallies, including remarks that singled out Indian Australians. “It is important to note these protests did not draw significant crowds in Australia,” she wrote. “I want to be clear that the divisive views of this minority are not shared by the Australian Government nor the overwhelming majority of Australians.”
Her remarks are supported by new research. “A study by the Scanlon Foundation, out today, found that 83 per cent of Australians think multiculturalism is good for our country,” Aly said. She added that both she and the government “unequivocally stand for multiculturalism—not just as a policy first introduced in the 1970s but as a true reflection of our national identity.”
“To those few in Australia who say immigrants should ‘go home,’ I say: ‘we are home,’” she declared.
Aly pointed to the Albanese Government’s policy agenda as proof of that commitment. “Earlier this year, I had the honour of opening Australia’s first national Office for Multicultural Affairs, to not only celebrate the richness of our diversity but also to acknowledge multiculturalism as a fundamental aspect of our identity—it is key to who we are.”
She described how multiculturalism has become part of Australia’s everyday rhythm. “Today, multiculturalism is woven into the social and cultural fabric of modern Australia. From Lunar New Year to Diwali and Rosh Hashanah—these events are celebrated in small towns and big cities, from coast to coast.”
Aly’s op-ed traces the roots of this identity to Australia’s First Nations peoples and to the generations of migrants who have followed. “Our story starts with deep historic roots, dating back over 65,000 years with our First Nations Australians,” she wrote. “And building on this ancient and proud culture, generations of new Australians have come from countries across the world to make Australia their home.”
Her reflections turn personal when she recalls her own family’s journey. “I came to Australia from Egypt with my parents when I was just two years old and my family settled in Sydney’s western suburbs. We quickly became part of the local community, together with neighbours from Greece, China and the former Yugoslavia.”
She reminds readers that “over half of Australians were either born overseas themselves, or has a parent who was born overseas,” and credits migration for shaping a more connected and resilient nation. “Over generations, each group of migrants has brought with them hopes and dreams for a new and brighter future. Their hard work and effort have contributed to a stronger and more prosperous Australia—and a nation connected by our people, to our region and the world.”
Aly pays particular tribute to Indian Australians, describing them as “the physical embodiment of the unique connection between our two countries.” She noted that there are now “more than one million people of Indian heritage who call Australia home,” making contributions across medicine, engineering, education, hospitality and the arts. “Their entrepreneurial spirit is evident in the thousands of small businesses they have established, enriching the local economies in which they live.”
She also highlighted the establishment of the Centre for Australia-India Relations as part of this ongoing effort to “build friendships and connections across business, the creative arts, education and importantly in our local communities.”
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