John Howard doubles down on controversial remarks claiming he's 'always had ... trends now
View
comments
Former Liberal Prime Minister John Howard has again voiced scepticism about multiculturalism saying he always 'had trouble' with the concept.
The 84-year-old, who was prime minister from 1996 to 2007, made the comments at a London conference for political conservatives after previously stating 'he had doubts about multiculturalism' to the right-wing GB News channel.
Speaking at an Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) forum, Mr Howard said multiculturalism 'instituted difference' and risked separating people along racial or ethnic background lines.
'Multiculturalism is a concept that I've always had trouble with. I take the view that if people want to emigrate to a country, then they adopt the values and practices of that country,' Mr Howard said.
'And in return they're entitled to have the host citizenry respect their culture without trying to create some kind of federation of tribes and culture – you get into terrible trouble with that.'
Former Coalition Prime Minister John Howard has continued to express his doubts about multiculturalism
Mr Howard said when he spoke to people at local events 'particularly in the bush' he was often told 'we came to this wonderful country because you were free, you were kind, you were generous'.
'And – isn't that terrific?' he reflected.
'Do you really have to redefine that relationship?'
'I think one of the problems with multiculturalism is we try too hard to institutionalise differences, rather than celebrate what we
