Inclusiveness – The Key to Harmony
Ajai Verma, Monash University

At over 200 years old Australia has a unique place in the world as one of the oldest continents and one of the youngest nations of the world.  It has a multicultural diversity equal to many other counties such as the United Kingdom or the USA, yet Australia is luckier than these other ‘melting pots’ in that the racial tensions and strife that has tarnished these societies has largely been unknown in Australia.

From the original inhabitants of Australia to English, then the Greeks, Italians and later on the South-East Asians and Vietnamese, and then the latest refugees from Sudan and the Middle East – all have contributed to the our currently harmonious society and a laid-back lifestyle that many around the world would envy.  Yet to take this peaceful life for granted would be a grave mistake.  In a world marred by terrorism, racial tensions and war, growing together in harmony is as big a challenge to the growth of our country as climate is change on a global scale.  Many diverse communities make up the face of today’s Australia and to maintain and enrich our peaceful land we must preserve this harmony.

For me, the essence of growing together in harmony is encapsulated in one key value above all others:  inclusiveness.  Inclusiveness lies at the core of peaceful and prosperous growth for our country.  It does not mean homogenisation, but rather, respect for the many diverse communities that add to our nation’s multicultural riches.  To encourage inclusiveness, I propose that as individuals, communities and government, we make a commitment to adopting the following measures:

To progress in union, all of us regardless of our circumstances, whether we are from the bush or urban areas, indigenous or newer Australians, must have an equal voice in determining our joint future as a nation and our place in the world.  To that and all levels of government must encourage representation from all Australians on boards, panels, committees, councils and working parties.  We may be a nation of diverse ancestry but to grow in harmony, we need one voice.

In 2008, Australians witnessed a great step forward towards reconciliation and future growth with the Indigenous people of Australia with the articulation of ‘Sorry’ by Prime Minister Rudd.  To reinforce that spirit of reconciliation and strengthen our community, our laws need to be such that all of us regardless of colour, background, religion or sexual orientation, so that all of us can be confident of our rights and have equitable opportunities.  Therefore, as individuals and as a nation, let us fight against discrimination whether that is contained in inequitable laws or in misconceptions that we may about each other.

To ensure harmony, no one must be left behind in the country’s economic growth.  So, we must enable those from disadvantaged or rural areas to have equal access to health, education and legislative service through equitable distribution of resources.  We can do this by prioritising in infrastructures and programs in areas of need.

Generosity of spirit and mateship have long been treasured Australian values.  Inclusiveness is intricately linked to these values.  As a nation we need to make a commitment to be open, accepting and inclusive of our diverse backgrounds, beliefs and religions.  A broad Australian culture that takes pride in our indigenous heritage, our many languages, our varied cuisine and draws on the skills of our multicultural workforce will be the leverage for future prosperity in a rapidly changing world.  To that end, all employers should actively celebrate diversity in the workplace and utilise this diversity to initiate business networks in other countries of the world.

Inclusiveness can build the bridges needed in a multicultural society and give Australians the resilience needed to maintain harmony in a strife-torn world.  So, let us develop programs for leaders of our diverse communities to meet and exchange ideas frequently.  More importantly, we need to invest in inter-school exchanges, combined faith workshops and joint volunteer programs amongst the children and youth of differing faiths and communities to build friendships and networks to promote harmonious relationships between all sections of Australian society.

That much loved Australian institution, the Australian Football League, serves as a salient example of what it means to be inclusive in our current Australian society.  With its mix of Indigenous, Irish, Anglo-Saxon, Muslim and half-Korean players, this microcosm of our nation shows us how despite its odd problems, it’s the team that synergises the strength of its players to reach a common goal is the one that moves forward.  Like the AFL, as a nation we too will only grow if we all pull together in the one direction.  An inclusive society that ensures that all are carried forward together in growth – that is the fundamental premise upon which we will grow together in harmony.

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