Together Let Our Voices Be Heard
Jessica RosE

In approaching the concept of ‘Growing Together in Harmony’ I wish to propose the promotion and support for three main principles; education, upholding substantive equality and embracing multiculturalism.  If there remains one defining notion that has been embedded in my set of value systems, from the influence of parents and grandparents – it is that education remains the key to a healthy democracy.  Being encouraged to learn, think and to debate issues that affect all of our lives should be accessible to all Australians.  Equality of opportunity should also have a profound influence not only governmental affairs but in the wider community as well.  Australia is a nation of diversity, and we must not reject, but acknowledge such differences as ethnicity and heritage, religion, age, gender, sexuality, attitudes and beliefs. It is these differences that should be embraced, not as negative determinants but exciting individual attributes that define Australia as a multicultural nation.  By encouraging growth in ideas, respect and culturally literate leaders within the community, we will all be working towards – ‘Growing Together in Harmony’.

From the initial early development of reading and writing, which then ignited a passion for learning, I have always cherished the opportunities that education provided me from an early age in Australia.  Now at a tertiary level of study, I believe that if the leaders of tomorrow are to reflect the wider community values of our nation – ignorance and a lack of respect for harmony are the two main opposing forces to be eradicated.  While Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s ‘Apology to the Stolen Generation’ was a defining moment in working towards harmony with Aborigines, I believe that until Aboriginal leaders are better represented in government and as policy makers, helping to make decisions on behalf of the first inhabitants of this land – then we still have a long road to travel toward such harmony.  I believe that appointing an Indigenous Affairs Minister with an indigenous heritage may be an important first step.  Bridging the gap, not only requires looking at health care and life expectancy but the grass roots level of equal opportunities and education.

Growing together in harmony through awareness, peace and care for others should also be encouraged through the expression of ideas and beliefs.  As Socrates promoted in fifth century Greece, we are as individuals a part of a community and we have a right as citizens of the world to be able to have our voices be heard.  I propose that as cosmopolitans we should all respect the rights of individuals to express themselves.  For some, such a voice may be heard through the a Capella hymns of pilgrims celebrating World Youth Day in Sydney recently.  For others it may involve spreading the word of a non-governmental organization such as the Fred Hollows Foundation or even signing a petition to bring back more student unions in order to transform the curiosity of ideas into action.  No matter the form of instigation – it is the mere fact that we have the right to do it and that in doing so we will be working towards creating a more prosperous and harmonious future.

Encouraging substantive equality also remains important in growing together in harmony and as individuals we must strive to have a better understanding of the differences of fellow Australians.  Going beyond equal treatment in order to achieve equitable outcomes especially within the law requires better support for those that are unaware of their rights.  Pledging greater support for Community Legal Centres, especially in regional and rural areas would also be an additional step in helping to eradicate discrimination in support of harmony.   Having the insight to identify the diversity of values and attitudes which may cause people to act the way they do or celebrate in a particular style will also promote harmony within the community.  Appreciating the myriad of cultural lenses that inhabit this unique land of Australia can be implemented through participating in the Chinese New Year in your nearest city or even taking part in tai chi classes or acknowledging the values which underpin the upcoming International Day of Peace.  We must not isolate ourselves from difference but promote cultural literacy and broad understanding of different cultural meaning systems.

In conclusion, I believe that by reinforcing the importance of a good education for all Australians, implementing better community support for substantive equality and acknowledging individuals’ differences – we can grow together in harmony.  As a liberal democratic nation we must also recognise ourselves as citizens of the world and not forget the plight of suppressed voices such as Tibetan protestors.  Overall, we must convert such proposals into affirmative action plans, bridging the gap between theory and practice and it is then that we will be in harmony to advance Australia fairly.

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