Diversity leadership multiculturalism: the challenge of the securitisation of Chinese migrants in Australia

This paper aims to address the deficiency in the discussion on the impact of the securitisation of China on multiculturalism in Australia. Specifically, it seeks to identify several actual and/or potential causal mechanisms behind what Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner, refers to as “setting fire to our multicultural harmony”. In doing so, it will address a number of critical issues through the case study of contemporary Australia’s multicultural practice and policy. Consideration will be given to the following questions: Does multiculturalism pose a threat to national security? Is securitisation a threat to multiculturalism? Can multiculturalism offer a fresh approach to national security? In addressing these questions, my approach makes a stark contrast to the current discussion of the threat of China from the perspective of security.