Angus Taylor Declines to Endorse Multiculturalism Label but Affirms Civic Values and Non-Racial Immigration

Angus Taylor declined to state whether he supports multiculturalism in Australia, sidestepping five direct questions during a press conference. He said the culture he wants features commitments to parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, basic freedoms, and equal respect for all Australians.

Taylor added that people from all races and religions can live in the country provided they share those core values, and he stated that the government will not discriminate on race.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers accused Taylor of playing footsie with One Nation during question time. Chalmers said Taylor's efforts to out-One Nation One Nation were becoming increasingly pathetic. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a separate press conference that modern Australia is not a monoculture and never has been, citing recent events with Assyrian and Jewish communities as examples of the country's diversity.

Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, called multiculturalism a failed policy in a speech at the National Press Club last week. She described her preferred monoculture as uniting everyone under one culture and pointed to Japan as a model, while stating she does not want people to forget their backgrounds.

Shadow minister Jonno Duniam called the monoculture idea bizarre on Monday and spoke of the success of multiculturalism.

Taylor has appointed Senator Dave Sharma as shadow assistant minister for multicultural affairs. Former Liberal leaders including John Howard, Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison, and Malcolm Fraser also maintained such positions.