Report a positive outcome for Muslim Community

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Robb AO MP today released the Muslim Community Reference Group’s (MCRG) final report, acknowledging the group’s achievements.

The report comes at the end of the 12 month term of the group, which was formed to advise the Australian Government on a range of practical initiatives which would help integration and challenge extremism.

“This report acknowledges the recommendations and proposals which were made in the MCRG’S interim report and strongly influenced the development of the National Action Plan (NAP),” Mr Robb said.

The National Action Plan to build social cohesion, harmony and security has been adopted jointly by the Australian Federal Government and State and Territory governments, through the Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.

The Australian Government has committed $35 million over the next four years to implement the NAP. The plan has a strong focus on jobs, education and mainstream community involvement to encourage integration.

“MCRG members have worked hard to address a wide range of community issues over the last 12 months and their final report is a timely reminder of what can be achieved through successful collaboration” Mr Robb said.

“ I am most grateful for their efforts. This is a very significant contribution” Mr Robb added.

The MCRG’s report focuses on five areas:

• Employment • Education and training • Mainstream community activities • Leadership and • Addressing marginalization and radicalism.

The MCRG’s achievements have established a solid foundation for a productive partnership between government and the community.

“ I look forward to continued development of this partnership with the community, to jointly find solutions that will ensure a more integrated and secure society, Mr Robb said.

A full copy of the report is available at www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/a-diverse-australia/communities/muslim-community/MCRG/mcrg_report.pdf Media contact: Andrew Coombe 0438 777 145