STEPHEN JONES MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT TREASURER
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES AND SUPERANNUATION
MEMBER FOR WHITLAM
ANDREW GILES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
MEMBER FOR SCULLIN
Labor celebrates our multiculturalism and is encouraging every Australian household to participate in the Census.
The census is an essential part of connecting government to people and people to government.
It is absolutely vital that we have an accurate picture of who we are - to better understand ourselves, and to shape policies.
Labor recognises the work of multicultural community leaders and organisations in promoting the census in language and overcoming barriers to participation, particularly for migrants who are completing their first census.
We need to better measure our diversity if we are to be all that we can be as a multicultural society. This starts with tonight’s census but it can’t end here.
Labor has been listening to voices in the community about concerns they have with the way in which the census is presently structured, and looking at examples overseas.
Unfortunately, the Morrison Government has not prioritised or seen the value in data-driven policy to inform critical policy decisions related to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities.
For example, the Standards for Statistics on Cultural and Language Diversity used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics have not been updated over 20 years.
Good public policy rests on good data, and we need to keep working at ensuring we are accurately taking account of the wonderful diversity that is Australia, if we are to realise every Australian’s potential and to see important services provided on the basis of need.