5. Hon PETER DUNNE (Leader—United Future) Link to this
to the Minister for Ethnic Affairs
Is the Government considering introducing a multiculturalism bill?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
No. New Zealand already has a strong human rights and race relations legislative framework, including the Human Rights Act, which replaced the Race Relations Act, and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act. Everyone enjoys equal treatment and protection under the law, while it respects and values their diversity.
Does she recall the Minister saying in October last year “we have made a conscious decision that the only way a multiethnic, multicultural population is going to prosper and thrive is by embracing diversity and promoting its cultural and economic opportunities.”; if she does recall that statement, why will the Minister not now proceed to formalise that arrangement in the form of multiculturalism legislation?
Yes, I do, but that does not necessarily lead one to the conclusion that further legislative provisions are required.
Dr Ashraf Choudhary Link to this
What actions is the Government taking in response to New Zealand’s increasing ethnic diversity?
Since 1999 the Government has proactively implemented a number of initiatives, including the establishment of the ethnic affairs portfolio and the Office of Ethnic Affairs, the creation of a tradition of celebrating important events for communities at Parliament—such as Islamic Awareness Week and a reception to acknowledge 150 years of Croatian settlement—and the introduction of a range of programmes, such as the Connecting Diverse Communities project, the Building Bridges project, and Language Line, a telephone interpreting service that has now logged more that 100,000 calls.
Dail JonesWhy, when we already have such a vibrant multicultural society in New Zealand, would anyone even want to consider introducing a multiculturalism bill in New Zealand—a bill that would only pander to PC claptrap?
Frankly, I do not agree with the assumption the member has proposed in his question. I believe that the federation that has proposed the bill is genuine in its view that it would strengthen the valuing and appreciation of the diversity of our communities. In my view, the legislation is not needed.
Madam SPEAKER
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
Does the Minister not understand that there is a world of difference between “multicultural” and “multiculturalism”: one is respect for other cultures, and the other is the promotion, by the taxpayer, of every culture in a country so that it ends up with no single culture for that country?
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I have asked one supplementary question this week. United Future is entitled to ask at least two supplementary questions, and I want to know why we were denied the second one.
Madam Speaker—[ Interruption] It is not an option. Has the Minister had a discussion with the Federation of Ethnic Councils regarding the development of a multiculturalism Act; if so, what has been the outcome of that discussion, and what advice has he given the federation about the Government’s intentions with regard to that?
I am aware of the Minister’s interest in the debate that is being stimulated throughout the country, and my understanding is that the Minister is prepared to continue engagement with the federation.