Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026

Mr SOON (Banks) (19:01): The Home Affairs portfolio includes responsibility for Australia's multicultural affairs. I am proud to be part of the most diverse, multicultural parliament in Australia's history. Any young person in this country should be able to look at the parliament and see themselves in this place and, if they so choose to, aspire to be a part of it.

My family came from Malaysia, but there are members of this House with heritage from all over the world. They include Chinese Australians, Indian Australians, Sri Lankan Australians, Lebanese Australians and many, many more. The Albanese Labor government believes that every single Australian, whatever their race or religion, wherever they or their parents were born, should be able to feel safe and at home without prejudice or discrimination.

This part of our social fabric has been tested recently, and, while, unfortunately, there will always be people seeking to divide Australians, this government, our government, the Albanese government knows that multiculturalism and understanding one another are what bring Australians together. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the success of Australia's multiculturalism than the citizenship ceremonies we all have the opportunity to attend as members of this place.

Since being elected I have been able to attend a number of ceremonies and have witnessed people from dozens of backgrounds become Australian citizens. Seeing the pure joy on the faces of the newest Australians as they take their pledge is incredibly heartwarming—every single time I see it. For the first time our government has appointed a dedicated minister for multicultural affairs and has elevated that position into the cabinet.

Together with the new Office for Multicultural Affairs we have the means to drive a comprehensive approach to multicultural policy that will work across all three levels of government. The minister has well and truly hit the ground running, and I had the pleasure of welcoming her to my electorate last month to visit a number of constituents in the suburb of Padstow where I live.

The 2024 Multicultural Framework Review was the first in-depth examination of Australia's multiculturalism in Australia in 50 years. The Albanese government remains committed to the review, which will continue to influence our understanding of multiculturalism in our communities and will help shape the future policy and investments of this government. Community language schools are so important for multicultural communities in this country, and this government has invested $15 million since the 2023-24 financial year, supporting 600 community language schools across the country.

This support has helped more than 90,000 students across 84 languages. The government is continuing to build on this with an additional $25 million, which will see thousands more children take up another language and feel pride in their heritage, wherever their families may have come from, as well as strengthen their sense of identity as Australians. I want to take this opportunity to highlight some of the funding provided in the multiculturalism space for the electorate of Banks.

I am so proud that this government will deliver $10 million to help with the construction of the United Muslims of Australia Community Centre. The UMA is an important organisation for the Muslim community in Western and south-western Sydney, supporting young people and fostering a deep sense of belonging to our community. The commitment made to fund this project will complete the construction of the UMA precinct that integrates sports, education and social services all in one place.

It would include a state-of-the-art sports complex, a youth centre and parking to allow many people to participate—truly a one-stop shop for all of the programs that UMA delivers. The organisation have been working towards this for a long time, and it will enable them to continue the great work that they do. In closing, I want to recognise the work being done in the multiculturalism space.

It is so important not just for highlighting the incredible diversity of our country and all the benefits that come with that but for building a more cohesive and united society. I look forward to continuing to contribute to this government's agenda in this very important area.