Australia had a proud history of accepting refugees and migrants during the second half of the twentieth century. The upcoming oration to celebrate the Australian Refugee Association’s 40^th anniversary will reflect on recent developments in Australia’s approach to immigration and multiculturalism, and the different ways in which the idea of ‘sanctuary’ shapes our society’s response to outsiders.

The oration titled ‘An Australian Sanctuary?’ will be presented by Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner for the Australian Human Rights Commission. Dr Soutphommasane has described Modern Australia as ‘a success story of multiculturalism,’ whilst recognising that ‘we must remain vigilant of bigotry and racism’.

Dr Soutphommasane is a first-generation Australian of Chinese and Lao extraction and was raised in south west Sydney. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford, from where he also holds a Master of Philosophy. He is a first-class honours graduate of the University of Sydney. His book Don’t Go Back To Where You Came From won the 2013 NSW Premier’s Literary Award.

This event is part of Refugee Week which will be celebrated from Sunday 14 June to Saturday 20 June and includes World Refugee Day on Saturday 20 June.

Register now to attend this free event on Friday 19 June at 7pm.

Presented by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre and the Australian Refugee Association and supported by the International Centre for Muslim and non-Muslim Understanding

FREE registration: Australian Refugee Association 40^th Anniversary Oration with Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Race Discrimination Commissioner for the Australian Human Rights Commission

 Friday 19 June, 7pm
Allan Scott Auditorium, University of South Australia