A long-distance walk from Tasmania to Canberra advocating for a multicultural Australia has concluded with bipartisan support from the country’s top political leaders.
Former Tasmanian Liberal Premier Peter Gutwein, who chairs Tasmania’s Migrant Resource Centre, walked over 330 kilometres to the nation’s capital from Launceston to deliver a message of unity and inclusion.
He met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton during the walk, both of whom reaffirmed their commitment to a multicultural Australia.
Gutwein says by doing so, the leaders “highlighted their support for a diverse and inclusive Australia”.
“Community leadership starts at the top, and this sign of commitment will send a strong message to people of all backgrounds across Australia that they are valued for what they bring to this country and their community,” he said.
Gutwein says the walk provided an opportunity to hear stories from migrants and refugees who are enriching their communities with skills, creativity and language.
“Multiculturalism brings global perspectives, innovation and growth, but it also brings acceptance through understanding, which leads to more harmonious communities with positive social outcomes,” he said.
“The Walk is a symbol that when it comes to diversity and inclusion, we step forward together in Australia. That we are better together.”
He said the walk may be over, but the conversation about diversity and inclusion is ‘just beginning’.
