Australian Values Statement Essay -- Nationalism

On October 15, 2007 the government shifted from a liberal multiculturalist immigration policy to an assimilation policy. This occurs after a change in the political speech. During the early 2000’s the rhetoric became more nationalistic and Australia like many different countries focus on defining its identity. The citizenship eligibility requirements were reinforced and all applicants for provisional and permanent visa have to read and accept the Australian Values statement. These core values of the nation are summarizing by three dot point: â€Å" †¢ Australian society values respect for the freedom and dignity of the individual, freedom of religion, commitment to the rule of law, Parliamentary democracy, equality of men and women and a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces mutual respect, tolerance, fair play and compassion for those in need and pursuit of the public good †¢ Australian society values equality of opportunity for individuals, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background †¢ the English language, as the national language, is an important unifying element of Australian society.† On a first point we will analyse the text and try to understand it purpose and the means use to attain it. Then we will focus on the three dot point and the â€Å"Australian values† defined by the state. The issue of this focus is to know if the state-defined values are promoted and recognize by the media and the population or not and if they really occur in reality. Finally we will express some of the critics made to this â€Å"Australian Values Statement† form. We shall consider first the reasons and goals that pushed the government to create this statement and analyse its writing. On Australia Day 2006, the Prime Minister John Howar... ...Press. Leet, M. (2006). What Are Australian Values, Really? The Brisbane Institute. Leitner, G. (2004). Australia's Many Voices: Ethnic Englishes, Indigenous and Migrant Languages. Policy and Education. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter. McGregor, C. (2001). Class in Australia. Melbourne: Penguin. Phillips, T., & Smith, P. (2000). What is 'Australian'? Knowledge and Among a Gallery of Contemporary Australians. Australian Journal of Political Science, pp. 203-224. Randel-moon, H. (2006). ‘COMMON VALUES’: WHITENESS, CHRISTIANITY, ASYLUM SEEKERS. ACRAWSA e-journal, Vol. 2, Issue 1, , pp. 1-14. Rossister, J. (2007). Identifying and Measuring "Australian Values". Australian Marketing Journal 15.1, pp. 7-13. Thompson, E. (2001). Challenges to Egalitarianism: Diversity or Sameness ? In Unity and diversity: a National Conversation: Barton Lectures (p. 71). Sydney: ABC Books.