ABSTRACT
In the past decade we have witnessed the questioning of policies relating to cultural diversity, multiculturalism and citizenship. This has been exacerbated by the advent of ‘globalized terrorism’ in the wake of September 11 and has resulted in the adoption of protective measures both nationally and internationally. The discourses on fighting the war on terror have been conjoined with other issues such as border protection, ethnic crime and threats to ‘Australian culture’ from immigration and have added to negative public opinion relating to cultural diversity. A climate of concern over safety and security has been created. The adoption of a ‘protective framework’ has been accompanied by an erosion of civil liberties, freedoms and human rights which were traditionally associated with Western democracies. This has had impacts on minorities' sense of belonging in countries, such as Australia, with significant immigrant populations.
