The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) has strongly rejected Pauline Hanson’s call for a “monocultural” Australia, describing the One Nation leader’s comments as historically inaccurate and contrary to the nation’s identity.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, FECCA responded to Senator Hanson’s National Press Club address, in which she labelled multiculturalism a failed policy and argued Australia should become a monocultural society.
FECCA said Australia had never been monocultural and that the nation’s history had always been shaped by diversity.
“From the First Nations peoples who have cared for this continent for tens of thousands of years, to successive waves of migration that have shaped modern Australia, our nation has always been characterised by cultural diversity,” the organisation said.
“It is an impossibility to contemplate a ‘monocultural’ Australia.”
FECCA Chair Peter Doukas said multiculturalism remained one of Australia’s defining achievements and had played a central role in building a prosperous and cohesive society.
“Even our national anthem reminds us about ‘those who come across the seas’,” Mr Doukas said.
“Our multiculturalism is one of this nation’s enduring achievements. It has helped build a society that is more prosperous, innovative and cohesive.”
He said Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds contribute to the country every day as workers, business owners, healthcare professionals, teachers, volunteers and community leaders.
“They are part of what makes this country work,” he said.
FECCA, which represents multicultural communities across Australia, said it had spent five decades advocating for an inclusive society where people of all cultural backgrounds, faiths and places of birth are treated with dignity and can participate fully in Australian life.
The organisation argued that multiculturalism strengthens rather than weakens Australian identity.
“That vision is not separate from a strong and proud national identity; it is fundamental to it,” the statement said.
FECCA also accused Senator Hanson of attempting to revive ideas associated with the White Australia Policy through her comments.
The peak body vowed to campaign alongside its state and territory members to defend multiculturalism and challenge what it described as divisive narratives.
“FECCA will campaign along with our state and territory members and millions of Australians to reinforce the value of multiculturalism and reject divisive narratives,” the statement said.
“We believe this fight is for Australia.”
