Today I was pleased to launch the Multicultural Council of Tasmania’s Unity campaign on Parliament House lawns at Hobart’s Harmony Day celebrations.
The campaign encourages Tasmanians to become a Unity ‘friend’ of the peak body representing the interests of migrants and multicultural communities in the state.
By becoming a Unity friend, participants are helping to foster a rich, culturally diverse and socially harmonious Tasmania, where all people have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to community life.
A Unity friend is kept informed of policy news, receives invitations to events and helps to spread the campaign’s message.
The campaign’s launch today is timely, given it is Harmony Day; an annual celebration with the theme of ‘everybody belongs’ which also coincides with the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
As a strong supporter of our many multicultural groups, I believe the contribution they make to the fabric of our society is invaluable.
Tasmania has a long history of embracing migrants from all parts of the world with over 170 nationalities represented in Tasmania. Each year we welcome over 1,200 additional residents to the state through migration streams and host over 3,000 international students from over 140 countries.
I encourage other Tasmanians to become a Unity friend and help to make a strong, confident and inclusive society where everyone is treated fairly, with respect and without discrimination.
Elise Archer, Speaker of the House of Assembly
