The State Government, via the Office of Multicultural Interests (OMI), is partnering with the Scanlon Foundation to launch a discussion paper about the evolving nature of citizenship.
This is the first time the Melbourne-based foundation has released a discussion paper, which will focus on how citizenship influences our sense of belonging and social participation.
The paper explores how relationships - economic, social, political and personal - are being transformed through social media and online connectivity, and questions the influence of multiple citizenships and the rise of the global citizen.
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said it was fitting that the Scanlon Foundation's inaugural paper was being launched in Western Australia.
"Western Australia is well known for its diverse, successful multicultural society with more than 30 per cent of West Australians being born overseas," Dr Nahan said.
"Cultural diversity is one of our State's greatest strengths and brings us extensive networks and a competitive edge in a global world, increased trade and enhanced creativity and innovation.
"Citizenship binds West Australians of all origins into a shared commitment to Australia's democratic institutions, laws, values and responsibility."
The discussion paper is being presented by the Scanlon Foundation CEO, Anthea Hancocks, to an audience of community and business leaders before being discussed by a panel including:
- Dr Hass Dellal AO, executive director, Australian Multicultural Foundation
- Professor Andrew Markus, Fellow, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
- Dr Ken Michael AC, former Governor of Western Australia
- Dr Anne Aly, Associate Professor, Curtin University's Department of Social Science and International Studies and founding chair of People against Violent Extremism (PAVE)
- Sami Shah, comedian and writer.
Fact File
The Scanlon Foundation was established in 2001 with the endeavour to enhance and foster social cohesion within Australia
The full discussion paper on citizenship, and a recording of the discussion, will be available at http://www.omi.wa.gov.au
Next month will mark 66 years since Australian Citizenship was introduced in the Australian Citizenship Act 1948
Data from the 2011 Census indicates that more than 1.8 million people - 81 per cent of WA's population - were Australian citizens
Minister's office - 6552 5700
