Australia's Opposition Leader Backs 'Version' of Multiculturalism, Citing Need for Shared Values

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has affirmed his support for "a version" of multiculturalism, stressing that migrants must share core Australian values and commit to the country. Taylor's remarks came after he was questioned multiple times about his stance on multiculturalism and whether the Coalition would adopt a monoculture vision promoted by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.

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Making sure that people who come to this country contribute to this country and commit to it, that's not a monoculture. But it is requiring that people adopt Australian values. They are not welcome if they're not prepared to do that.

Taylor stated that while he supports people sharing "core Australian values," he was not satisfied with the current settings, citing recent arrivals who "do not believe" in democracy and Australia's freedoms. He clarified his position on 2GB, saying, "Making sure that people who come to this country contribute to this country and commit to it, that's not a monoculture. But it is requiring that people adopt Australian values. They are not welcome if they're not prepared to do that." He contrasted this with "Labor's multiculturalism where they simply say anyone can come here with any culture and it's all OK."

Following Taylor's comments, several Liberal MPs took to the airwaves to reinforce the Coalition's commitment to multiculturalism. Deputy leader Jane Hume stated that Australia is "already" a multicultural society and rejected "the politics of identity of the left on multiculturalism" as well as "the policy of cultural fear on the right." Senator Anne Ruston told ABC Radio National that Australia was "built on multiculturalism" and that the Coalition believes in an Australia where everyone respects laws, shares values, and contributes to the nation's fabric.

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This is a ridiculous argument. I can't believe that we've managed to get ourselves into this. I reject the politics of identity of the left on multiculturalism but, my goodness, I also reject the policy of cultural fear on the right.

Liberal senator Maria Kovacic also weighed in, asserting that migrants are a "core part" of Australia's modern history. She suggested that those questioning the Coalition's stance might not understand the party's position. The debate highlights ongoing discussions within Australian politics regarding immigration, national identity, and the definition of multiculturalism.

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We want a future for Australia that is built on respecting our values and our way of life … and the future of Australia is one that is based on multiculturalism.