Immigration & Multiculturalism : The Past, the Present and the Future edited by Chetna Mahadik

Immigration & Multiculturalism : The Past, the Present and the Future

Edited by Chetna Mahadik

Paperback, 150 pages, coming in April 2026

ISBN: 9781923568327

Immigration has been central to the making of modern Australia. Immigration and Multiculturalism: The Past, the Present and the Future brings together a range of political leaders, scholars and commentators to examine the historical development and contemporary significance of Australia’s immigration policies and multicultural framework. The volume combines newly commissioned essays with historically significant contributions from influential twentieth-century thinkers, including Frank Knopfelmacher and B. A. Santamaria, whose writings shaped earlier debates about multiculturalism and national identity. By placing contemporary perspectives alongside these important historical voices, the collection offers a reflective and critical account of immigration’s role in shaping Australia’s society, institutions and political discourse.

Chetna Mahadik is the General Manager for the Robert Menzies Institute, Melbourne. 

 

Contents

Introduction - Chetna Mahadik

1 Arthur Calwell, Enhancing Our Nation - Mary Elizabeth Calwell

2 Robert Menzies and Immigration - Georgina Downer

3 Malcolm Fraser: On Immigration and Multiculturalism - Denis White

4 The Multicultural Enterprise and Its Consequences - Frank Knopfelmacher

5 Multiculturalism: shadow and substance - B. A. Santamaria

6 Diversity as Division or Unity: Australia’s Post-Multicultural Future - Peter Kurti

7 Toryism and belonging - Damien Freeman

8 Italian migration to Australia—The way it was - Bruno Mascitelli

9 Racism in Australia: Narrative and Reality - Chetna Mahadik

10 Migration and Multiculturalism - Maria Vamvakinou

11 Multiculturalism Moving Forward - Carlo Carli

12 Multiculturalism in Australia: Origins, Achievements and Evolution - Bronwyn Hinz