The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, today said Australia’s cultural diversity was good for business.

Speaking at the Ethnic Communities Council (ECC) of NSW’s 40^th anniversary dinner, Senator Fierravanti-Wells said in an increasingly globalised economy, diversity was an advantage.

“Our diversity means Australia can be more productive, invent new ways of doing business with the world, create new opportunities and boost our trade and investment enterprises,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“It means we can confidently shake hands with far more of the world and its peoples.

“Migration can, and has, delivered social and economic strength, prosperity and unity and continues to contribute to a thriving and cohesive economy.

Senator Fierravanti-Wells, who has special responsibility for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, said Australia’s successful social cohesiveness did not happen by chance.

“It is a big task but Government cannot do it alone and nor can civil society,” she said.

“We need well‑connected, expert partners in the community such as the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW.”

More than 7.5 million migrants have arrived in Australia since the end of World War 2, including about 800,000 under our humanitarian programme.

“Helping them settle into their new country requires the active support from all Australians,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“And this national effort helps bring us closer together.

“The ECC’s work has played a part in steadfastly building up our national competitive advantage.