Opposition Leader Avoids Commitment on Multiculturalism Policy

The opposition leader declined to state whether the Coalition supports multiculturalism or endorses a monoculture model during a press conference. The leader was asked five times for a position on multiculturalism and did not commit to either approach.

Instead, the leader said the party wants immigrants to support core Australian values. "You explain to me what you mean by that. There is all these vague words running around. I'll tell you what, the one thing I want all of us to share is those core Australian values," the leader said.

The Coalition has called for a stricter Australian values test for visa applicants. Under the proposal, failure to meet the values statement could result in visa cancellation or refusal. New citizens already affirm loyalty to Australia and its people, respect for democratic beliefs, and adherence to laws during citizenship ceremonies.

Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called for an end to multiculturalism, citing concerns about social cohesion and language barriers. Hanson pointed to Japan as an example of the monoculture model. One Nation MP David Farley said people from other nations are welcome if they put being Australian first.

Outgoing Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jono Duniam said he did not know what Hanson meant by monoculture and described the concept as bizarre. Liberal MP Aaron Violi later confirmed the party still supports multiculturalism when asked separately. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the opposition leader during Question Time for not taking a clearer stance against One Nation's position.