UPDATE: Prominent Australian media figure Ita Buttrose has raised urgent concerns regarding the growing division within Australian society, insisting that migrants should “live our way” to foster unity. Speaking during a national webinar hosted by the UNSW Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing on July 25, 2023, Buttrose emphasized that the country’s vision of multiculturalism is faltering.
In an eye-opening discussion with Professor Henry Brodaty, Buttrose, aged 83, stated, “I think we’re more divided. I don’t think the multicultural society that we’ve spoken about so proudly in Australia is working as well as it could be.” Her remarks come ahead of the release of her forthcoming book, Unapologetically Ita.
Buttrose attributed this division to the influx of “divisive groups,” asserting that while all perspectives are welcome, there must be a collective commitment to Australian values. “Not the way you did when you were in the country that you left to become an Australian,” she remarked, highlighting the need for newcomers to embrace Australian customs and societal norms.
The discussion also touched on the alarming rise in inequality, with Buttrose noting a troubling trend: “Some people don’t have enough money, so we have people living below the poverty line.” She expressed deep concern over the number of Australians, including children, who are facing homelessness. “Too many children sleeping on the streets—these things should concern us because we’re a wealthy country,” she stressed.
Buttrose’s comments come at a time when cost-of-living pressures are reshaping life for many Australians, making housing increasingly unaffordable. “I never thought I’d live in Australia where people couldn’t afford to buy a home in any of our capital cities. That’s appalling,” she declared, blaming ineffective governance at all levels for the nation’s housing crisis.
With her extensive career spanning six decades, from being the first woman to edit a metropolitan daily newspaper to serving as chair of the ABC from 2019 to 2024, Buttrose’s insights carry weight. She urged Australians to reflect on their values and the societal changes underway, calling for a united front to combat growing disparities.
As the discourse around multiculturalism and social cohesion intensifies, Buttrose’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and citizens alike. What happens next could significantly influence the future of Australia’s cultural landscape.
Stay tuned for further developments as we continue to monitor this unfolding story. Share your thoughts in the comments below or send a Letter to the editor.
