Government decides what ‘core Aussie values’ are

Malcolm Turnbull has set out freedom of speech as a core Aussie value, and emphasised self-reliance over welfare, in a new ‘multicultural statement’ released today.

The statement calls Australia “the most successful multicultural society in the world” and an “immigration nation,” where almost half the population was born overseas or has at least one parent who was born overseas.

But The Australian, which received an advance copy of the statement, noted in a story this morning that the document was a big departure from a 2011 statement delivered by then-PM Julia Gillard, because Turnbull’s version included a list of core Australian values.

Those values, reported in full below, include the equality of men and woman, respect for the rule of law and allegiance to Australia, and a fundamental commitment to freedom.

“Practices and behaviours that undermine our values have no place in Australia,” the statement continues, adding that Australia was founded on a “liberal-democratic tradition.”

“Australians rightly expect that everyone who is in our country, whether or not they are Australian citizens, obeys Australian laws, supports our democratic process, and treats all people with respect and dignity,” the statement said.

The Australian pointed out that Turnbull’s statement removed the emphasis in previous multicultural statements on the accessibility of welfare and services for migrants, instead focusing on programs that helped migrants “become self-reliant and active members of the Australian community.”

The statement also addresses, for the first time in any federal government multicultural statement, the impact of the threat of terrorist attacks, saying that the country’s commitment to strong borders helped reduce the risk to Australians.

Do you agree with the statement’s emphasis on shared values and self-reliance? Are there other values that are particularly Australian that you would have liked included?

RESPECT

• We respect and we are committed to the rule of law and allegiance to Australia.
• We have respect for the liberty and dignity of all individuals.
• We value our diversity and embrace mutual respect, inclusion, fairness and compassion.

EQUALITY

• We support equality of men and women.
• We believe in equality before the law.
• We believe in equality of opportunity for all.

FREEDOM

• Our commitment to freedom is fundamental.
• We support freedom of thought, speech, religion, enterprise and association.
• We are committed to a parliamentary democracy.
• We take responsibility for fulfilling our civic duties.