Multiculturalism is defined as being `the practice of retaining the individual characteristics of the various cultures within a society'. The policy of multiculturalism was introduced to Australia because the old practice of assimilation was no longer effective. This policy was a significant turning point as the old `White Australia' policy and assimilation were about everyone being `Australian'. With multiculturalism, people were allowed to retain their culture, and maintain their different ethnic backgrounds, religions, language, and practices. Australians now had to accept and support this new idea and for some it was a change from their customary lifestyles.

The policy of multiculturalism was met with some dispute because racism still existed within the Australia. Being used to `White Australians' or people from other ethnic backgrounds who were now Australian, this was a big step for them. The racist attitudes of people are still evident up to the present day...