Treasurer Jim Chalmers has accused Opposition Leader Angus Taylor of trying to “out-One Nation One Nation” after Taylor repeatedly refused to say whether he supports multiculturalism in Australia, sidestepping five questions at a press conference.
Taylor’s evasive answers on multiculturalism
When asked directly if he supports multiculturalism, Taylor did not confirm or deny, instead saying: “The culture I want to see in this country is people in this country who believe in and support Australian standards… commitment to our parliamentary democracy, a commitment to the rule of law, a commitment to our basic freedoms, a commitment to equal respect and dignity with all Australians.”
Pressed on whether multiculturalism is an integral principle of Australian society, Taylor avoided a direct answer. When asked if the values he outlined could coexist with multiculturalism, he replied: “I don’t quite know what you mean by that question.”
Chalmers’ criticism in question time
“One of the reasons why the Liberal party is dying in [Taylor’s] arms is because his efforts to out–One Nation One Nation are becoming increasingly pathetic,” Chalmers said in question time. He accused the Coalition of “playing footsie with the monoculture language” pushed by One Nation.
Chalmers added: “This side of the house recognises in Australian values, the vast and important contribution made by multicultural Australia. Not for this side of the house, this rubbish, playing footsie with the monoculture language being pushed around by the One Nation party.”
Hanson’s monoculture push
Pauline Hanson, in her National Press Club speech last week, called multiculturalism a “failed policy” and demanded a “monoculture”. On Channel Seven’s Sunrise, she said her idea was “about being united as strong under the one culture” and pointed to Japan as an example. Hanson, who in 1996 claimed Australia would be “swamped by Asians”, said: “Japan has a monoculture, so what’s wrong with Australia having a monoculture?”
Shadow minister Jonno Duniam called it a “bizarre concept” and spoke of the “success of multiculturalism”.
Albanese’s response
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a press conference: “Modern Australia is not a monoculture and it never has been.” He cited attending an Assyrian function in Sydney and meeting with Jewish Orthodox community members as examples of Australia’s rich culture. “It’s really a nonsense argument to go back to something that was actually never there.”
Albanese said Taylor’s questions were “not a complex question, because we’ve never been a monoculture”.
One Nation MP’s view
One Nation MP David Farley said “monoculturalism” means being “Australian first”, regardless of ethnicity or language. “You’ve come to this country … to become an Australian. So, you’re an Australian first, so blend in,” he told ABC’s Afternoon Briefing.
