The Indian Muslim community has grown over the past decade, and has already contributed so much to the greater Australian community.

You are a part of a picture of success for all the world, of multiculturalism founded on mutual respect.

There are some voices that seek to make recent migrants believe that assimilation is the ultimate goal, but it’s not. Belonging is. Assimilation and belonging are different things.

When we say you belong here, it means we welcome you without exception: we welcome your culture, your faith, your language – and we welcome your friendship.

Harmony among diverse people is what makes Australia so prosperous. Thank you for being a part of that picture.

Tony Burke
Shadow Minster of Citizenship and Multicultural Australia