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We are a nation of immigrants, and that is our strength.

Malcolm Turnbull

Speech on multiculturalism, 2017 · Checked on 8 August 2026
We are a nation of immigrants, and that is our strength.

Analysis

Historical records confirm that Australia's population has been overwhelmingly shaped by immigration, with waves of settlers, laborers, and refugees contributing to its demographic makeup. Government reports and sociological studies frequently highlight multiculturalism as a source of economic, cultural, and social strength.

Background

Australia's modern population is predominantly descended from immigrants, beginning with British colonization in 1788 and continuing through large-scale post-WWII immigration programs. The country's official multicultural policy, established in the 1970s, explicitly frames diversity as a national asset.

Verdict summary

Australia is widely recognized as a nation of immigrants, and diversity is often cited as a national strength.

Sources consulted

— Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) - Migration, Australia (2016-17)
— Department of Home Affairs - Australia's Migration Program
— Australian Government - Multicultural Australia: United, Strong, Successful (2017)