Australia’s National Identity

​← Australia's Political Leadership​

Australia has developed as one of the world’s most culturally diverse nations. Supporters of multiculturalism argue that cultural, religious and ethnic diversity enriches Australian society and contributes to its social and economic vitality.

Critics argue that multiculturalism has weakened national identity, encouraged social fragmentation and made it more difficult to establish common expectations of citizenship. They believe Australia should place greater emphasis on a single national culture.

Project Open Democracy offers another way of approaching the issue. The Freedom Declaration for Peace proposes that people from different cultures, religions and traditions can be united by fundamental human values that are broadly shared across those traditions.

The choice may therefore not be between diversity and unity, but between a divided society and a diverse society united by a common vision.

Question:

Which approach do you believe offers the stronger future for Australia?

(Monocultural/Multicultural →)

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Open Democracy Perspective

Questions of national identity should not be determined by political slogans or assumptions about a silent majority. Project Open Democracy enables Australians from every background to participate in defining the common values and shared direction that should unite the country.