A $1.5 million investment by the previous Labor Government towards the construction of the Islamic Museum of Australia is helping to foster greater understanding between the Muslim community and the wider Australian community.
 
Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Michelle Rowland today joined Member for Batman, David Feeney and Member for Calwell and Co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of Multiculturalism, Maria Vamvakinou to tour the facility.
 
This museum is an essential part of Australia’s rich multiculturalism and serves as a reminder of the great contribution that Muslims have made to Australia since the arrival of the Afghan cameleers 150 years ago.
 
Labor believes multiculturalism has enhanced Australia’s economic prosperity and cultural diversity and we want to ensure all Australians, regardless of background, have a stake in the future of our nation. #ICV
#IMA

On Saturday I had the great privilege of attending the Keilor Historical Society's book launch of a book Keilor's Anzac Memory. This very important book has come about as a result of the previous federal Labor government's initiative to allocate $125,000 per electorate under the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program in order to help fund local projects that aim to commemorate the Anzac Centenary. The Keilor Historical Society's book and DVD, I am proud to say, are the first of the overall 10 projects that were allocated funding under this program.On Saturday I was very pleased to attend the official launch of the book. The Keilor Historical Society received $25,000 to produce this book, as well as the DVD, which was aimed at raising awareness about the names of the individuals on the World War I honour roll in Keilor. The book and the DVD were launched over two consecutive days and both, as I said, are dedicated to the memory of the soldiers and the nurses from our local Keilor community who served on active service overseas in the Great War of 1914-1918. The aim of the book reflects the individual stories and the communities that these individuals came from, set against the backdrop of the rural lifestyle of Australia in the early 20th century. This book and the DVD are a legacy and a permanent record of our local people's history. It is a symbol of the eternal spirit of a community and their participation during what was a most turbulent and difficult time—a nation-building time—in Australia's history.

 I would like to join the chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration. As deputy chair, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to speak to the committee's report on the inquiry into the Business and Innovation and Investment scheme.Attracting business and investment from overseas is a very important component of our immigration program. Indeed, at a time when most Western countries are competing with each other for business and investment, it is important for us here in Australia to provide the best possible incentives and opportunities in order to attract the type of investment and business skills that will enhance and develop our economic growth and create jobs here in Australia. So having a robust and effective investment visa program is key to realising and enhancing our economic growth and prosperity.