Lowy hails multiculturalism in wake of protests

Updated

Billionaire businessman Frank Lowy says Australian multiculturalism has been a "triumph in tolerance" despite the violent Islamic protests which erupted in Sydney last weekend.

The Westfield co-founder, who was born in Czechoslovakia and came to Australia in 1952, delivered a lecture to the Australian Multicultural Council in Canberra on Wednesday evening.

He commended Muslim leaders for their response to the heated demonstrations in Sydney, and said it shows Australia's multicultural society is both strong and mature.

"Australian multiculturalism is bigger and stronger than what happened at the weekend," he said.

"Our political leaders were united in their condemnation of the violence.

Far from being an assault on multiculturalism, last weekend can be a sign of the strength and maturity of our multicultural society. Frank Lowy

"They made it clear that while Australia was a tolerant society there would be zero tolerance towards that kind of behaviour.

"Far from being an assault on multiculturalism, last weekend can be a sign of the strength and maturity of our multicultural society."

But he also warned against looking at multiculturalism through rose-coloured glasses, and said migrants should follow Australian values.

''You are welcome; you are free to worship; you are free to honour your heritage; and, we will respect the differences between us,'' Mr Lowy said.

''And in return, you should agree to live by the standards and values of this society, the one you have chosen to be a part of.''

He said there should be a stronger focus on civics education to ensure all Australians appreciate the country.

"Remarkable things can happen in a remarkable country and I remain ever grateful to Australia but I think we can still develop a more muscular approach to our civic life in a distinctly Australian way," he said.

He said citizenship should involve learning about Australian systems, laws and institutions.

"Newcomers should know that our liberal democracy provides impartial processes to air grievances and right wrongs," he said.

"They should know there is a place for peaceful and lawful protest."

He also said new migrants should ensure their children "receive a broad and balanced education untainted by the ideology of hate".

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott also addressed the conference.

Ms Gillard said multiculturalism is a balancing act that includes, not divides.

''The right to maintain one's customs, language and religion is a balanced by an equal responsibility to learn English, find work, respect our culture and heritage, and accept women as full equals,'' she said.

''Where there is non-negotiable respect for our foundational values of democracy and the rule of law, and any differences we hold are expressed peacefully.

"Where old hatreds are left behind, and we find shared identity on the common ground of mateship and the Aussie spirit of a fair go.''

Mr Abbott told the crowd he was once sceptical of multiculturalism but changed his mind.

"I used to believe multiculturalism could lead us a nation of tribes. But I was wrong," he said.

Mr Abbott said migrants are the "ultimate vindication" of Australia's way of life and are always welcomed.

Topics: multiculturalism, community-and-society, religion-and-beliefs, australia

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