Liberal senator Andrew Bragg says he 'strongly disagrees' with former prime minister Tony Abbott after he claimed that multiculturalism had 'failed in Australia'. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Bragg was asked on the ABC's Insiders about the comments made by Abbott, the current president of the Liberal party, in a video posted to social media.
'Well, I don't agree with that, and I'd make the point that liberalism has actually created multiculturalism because it creates a framework for people to have freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of conscience. And the Liberal party built modern Australia, if you look at the Menzies government opening up after the war, the Holt government abolishing parts of the White Australia policy, and then, of course, Malcolm Fraser's actions to promote multiculturalism and introduce things like the SBS. So we have a very proud record to stand on, and I think it's very important that we're clear about that,' Bragg said.
Asked if Abbott should stop commenting on the issue, Bragg says: 'He's entitled to his views, and I strongly disagree with them.'
Abbott's comments have reignited debate about multiculturalism in Australia. The former prime minister in his video suggested that multiculturalism policy had failed and that immigration should be restricted. Bragg's response highlights differing views on multiculturalism within the Liberal party.
Looking at the history of the Liberal party, the Menzies government expanded immigration after World War II, laying the foundation for Australia's multicultural society. The Holt government abolished parts of the White Australia policy, and the Fraser government adopted multiculturalism as official policy and established the SBS (Special Broadcasting Service).
Bragg's view reflects the Liberal party's traditional support for multiculturalism, but there are disagreements within the party on this issue. Abbott's view may represent the conservative wing of the party.
This event continues the debate about the future of multiculturalism policy in Australia. Abbott's statement has been widely discussed on social media, eliciting various reactions. Bragg's response was aimed at defending liberal values.
According to experts, multiculturalism is considered one of Australia's successful integration policies, but in recent years it has faced criticism due to issues of immigration and national identity. Bragg's view aligns with the party's official stance, but Abbott's view represents an influential voice within the party.
Currently, multiculturalism policy continues in Australia, but debates about its effectiveness persist. The disagreement between Bragg and Abbott underscores the complexity of the issue.