2010 NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL MARKETING AWARDS
GALA PRESENTATION DINNER SPEECH BY
THE HON JOHN HATZISTERGOS MLC
ATTORNEY GENERAL - MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP
MINISTER FOR REGULATORY REFORM
Firstly, I acknowledge the First Australians on whose land we meet, and whose culture we celebrate as one of the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
I am honoured to be here tonight at the National Multicultural Marketing Awards Dinner in my capacity as the NSW Minister for Citizenship.
The 21st anniversary of the Awards provides us with a wonderful opportunity to recognise and reward the efforts of those who have successfully shown the benefits of reflecting the cultural diversity of contemporary Australia in their marketing strategies.
Over the last two decades, the Community Relations Commission has been encouraging networking opportunities, between all sectors, at the Multicultural Marketing Conference as well as celebrating examples of best practice at the Awards Dinner.
Earlier today at the Conference, I stated my belief – one that I am sure is held by many of you here tonight – that Australia is one of the greatest success stories of global migration in modern history.
We are a country built on the legacy of migration and multiculturalism. 25 per cent of Australians were born overseas and the vast majority of the other 75 per cent of our population are the descendants of migrants from around the world.
Our population currently stands at more than 22 million, and we now share our land with people who originate from more than 200 nations around the globe including the many diverse indigenous communities across Australia.
Today we can all take pride in the fact that our nation is one of the most successful and vibrant multicultural countries in the world.
NSW is one of the best places in the world to live, to work , and raise a family, and we intend to keep it that way.
NSW is the engine room of Australia’s economy and attracts a large percentage of new arrivals to Australia, and it will continue to do so.
Many of the 900,000 new people forecast to arrive in NSW over the next 10 years will be selected through our migration program.
By working in partnership with the business community, as well as the education, community and non-commercial sectors, the NSW Government can meet the challenges of our expanding population and confidently move ahead into the next growth stage.
This is a time of tremendous opportunity for all of us.
Population growth stimulates the economy and provides the skilled workers Australia needs to remain a contender on the global stage.
During the next decade we will see the $400 billion NSW economy grow more than 30 per cent on its current levels.
It is up to each organisation and each person, how they choose to respond to the next growth phase.
The NSW Government wants our State’s economy to be synonymous with innovation, productivity, and carbon efficiency.
In NSW we have the resources, the drive, and most importantly, the talent, required to achieve this goal.
Earlier, at today’s conference we heard from a range of experts from the spheres of business, government, community and education and there is a common thread in each of their messages.
They all share the view that the future success of organisations in every sector lies in our ability to reach out and engage the widest audience.
Today, the NSW government leads the world in our approach to public sector multicultural governance, providing all individuals and organisations with an opportunity to contribute and participate in public life, as well as an equitable access to government services.
Similarly, the organisations here with us tonight have realised the critical importance of marketing their goods and services to diverse audiences, by reflecting, and linking with, the ever changing canvas of contemporary Australia, they are raising their profile, reaching new audiences, and increasing their success in the marketplace.
I wish to thank everyone who has participated in the conference today, and especially to the award nominees and recipients honoured here at tonight’s dinner for their outstanding contributions.
You have demonstrated to all of us that when there is a desire to engage with the most diverse audience possible – the sky is the limit.
I wish you and your organisations a productive and profitable future based on your enthusiasm to embrace such innovative strategies.