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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2019-10-30 Daily Xml
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Matters of Interest

Multiculturalism

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (15:20): When it comes to representing our community through state parliament, I believe it is of the utmost importance to connect and collaborate with multicultural groups and organisations within our community. Why? Because our experiences shape who we are. It is why culture and tradition are important not only to preserve but to celebrate and share as well. We live in a multicultural society and the various groups and organisations within our society have played an important role in contributing to the identity it has today.

The Polish Women's Association, who recently celebrated their 65th anniversary, is a case in point. They are an organisation that came about due to the strong drive to support those less fortunate and in need both within our community and abroad. From displaced persons in refugee camps to victims of natural disasters, the Polish Women's Association has not only provided support but has been a role model for other emerging organisations.

This is in addition to organisations such as the Ethiopian Community Association in South Australia, the Greek Museum of Adelaide and the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, who have all recently celebrated and commemorated the culture and traditions of their respective communities as well as reflected and recognised the achievements of individuals both young and old within our community.

The Muslim Women's Association of South Australia recently presented a cross-cultural exploration of women's rights throughout time to commemorate 125 years of women's suffrage, connecting the celebration of women's suffrage with the historical and present struggles for gender equality for women.

These groups are all actively assisting people of culturally diverse backgrounds to realise their potential as active contributors to the political, economic, social and cultural life in South Australia. I congratulate all on their efforts for connecting culture with the broader community. Not only do we have strong cultural groups and organisations within our communities, we also have organisations who work tirelessly to connect multicultural communities and provide them with a voice.

Organisations such as 5EBI have, for some 40 years, played a crucial role in support of migrants settling in South Australia, to inform and help maintain their identity and the traditions of their heritage. Language is an equaliser and with 5EBI currently broadcasting for 44 different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, there can be no doubt about the important role they play in South Australia.

Then there is the MCCSA, which over the past 45 years has not only been a voice for communities to government, stakeholders and the public but has also delivered important programs to members of the multicultural communities. They have worked hard to give a voice to minorities within CALD communities and support those communities to thrive.

It is also important to acknowledge and support newer emerging organisations in our state. The message is clear: everyone can belong, participate and thrive in social, cultural and economic life. This is a principle we should not lose sight of. It is important to note that more often than not multicultural groups are formed out of necessity to speak up on either local or global issues and to connect.

Groups such as the Kurdish National Committee of Australia are raising community awareness about the atrocities occurring overseas in northern Syria, warning us about the impact Turkish regimes have had on many CALD groups who now call Australia home and reminding us about our relationship with the Kurdish people, our allies in the fight to defeat ISIS. Without their voices and persistence, there would be no change. It is often the few, the brave, who ignite change.

All of these groups play a vital role in our state, and all do so in the name of democracy and peace. Whether it be through commemoration, celebration, dance, film, protest, consultation, advocacy, and everything that lies between, multicultural groups contribute greatly toward the political, economic, social and cultural life of South Australia. We have a responsibility to listen to and support these groups in the interest of a growing healthy state.

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