News
Immigration department renamed
Australia's Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) is no more
The country's government announced the immigration department will be renamed the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) with immediate effect.
The loss of the word 'multiculturalism' from the department's title can be seen as a clear sign that Australia is currently attempting to promote a greater feeling of belonging for its new immigrants. A few months ago, Australian prime minister John Howard was quoted as saying that the word 'multiculturalism' "emphasised diversity rather than unity," and by dropping it from the department's name the Oz government is taking its first step in moving away from its multicultural past.
Upon announcing the name change Howard said that while he doesn't expect new migrants to "forget their homeland," he feels that is important they embrace some aspects of Australian life - including the English language, the country's laws and recognising equality between men and women.
"Citizenship and interaction with each other is impossible unless we can effectively communicate with each other," the Prime Minister said.
Read another Australian news story:
School age to be standardised
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06 February 2007