Multiculturalism was introduced in the 1970s to replace the outdated assimilation policy.
It acknowledged that migrants experienced hardships as they settled in Australia, and required more direct assistance. It also recognised the role of migrant groups in the maintenance of cultural promotion of language and heritage. Multiculturalism became incorporated within social policy.
Today social policy is framed around participation and inclusion; in this way multiculturalism is subsumed without its explicit mention.
In 2010 the rationale that created multiculturalism may no longer be valid but we are not living in a multicultural Eden. Is it time for multiculturalism V.2? A multiculturalism where we can address the new challenges that society has created?
Conference content
Keynote: Wednesday 9 June
The future of multiculturalism
Panel discussion: Wednesday 9 June
Five provocations of multiculturalism
Paper presentations
Multiculturalism in media and advocacy (9 June)
Multiculturalism in policy (9 June)