URGENT UPDATE: Renowned Australian media figure Ita Buttrose has declared that Australia is now “more divided” and urged migrants to “live our way” during a national webinar held on July 11, 2023. This statement comes as Buttrose, a former chair of the ABC and a prominent voice in Australian media, discusses her insights ahead of the release of her new book, Unapologetically Ita.
In a candid conversation with Professor Henry Brodaty at the UNSW Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Buttrose expressed concerns that the nation’s multicultural vision is faltering. She noted, “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.”
Buttrose pointed to the presence of “divisive groups” as a factor impacting societal cohesion, stating, “This is Australia, so I think we have to be emphatic that you try and live our way.” She emphasized that while all viewpoints are welcome, new arrivals should adapt to Australian norms rather than maintaining the ways of their countries of origin.
The media icon highlighted a troubling trend of rising inequality, stating, “Some people don’t have enough money, so we have people living below the poverty line, too many.” She lamented the growing number of Australians facing financial hardship, including children sleeping on the streets, calling it “appalling” for a wealthy country like Australia.
Buttrose also discussed the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which she believes is reshaping the lives of many Australians. “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 bad government planning at all levels of government,” she asserted, criticizing officials for their lack of effective policies.
This urgent dialogue comes at a pivotal time as Australians grapple with significant economic challenges, including skyrocketing housing prices and increased financial pressures. Buttrose’s comments resonate with many citizens who feel the weight of these issues daily.
The former chair of the ABC, who has had a storied career spanning over six decades, is known for her candidness and willingness to address controversial topics. She served as the first woman to edit a metropolitan daily newspaper and has been a familiar face on Australian television.
As Buttrose’s remarks gain traction, they prompt critical conversations about national identity, social cohesion, and the responsibilities of both new arrivals and long-time citizens.
What’s next? As the discussion unfolds, it will be essential to monitor public reactions and how these sentiments may influence future policies regarding immigration and social integration in Australia.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it continues to attract national attention.
