ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the ways in which a civic conceptualisation of identity and belonging in the nation state does not guarantee that migrants and culturally diverse' others will be accepted, through analysis of responses to this values statement. Australia is an immigrant nation, characterised by a relatively high level of ethnic diversity. A quarter of its 23 million people were born overseas, coming from over 200 countries, and speaking over 175 different languages. While history has shown Australia to be remarkably stable and peaceful, concerns emerged after the New York and London terrorist incidents, that Australia might be vulnerable to similar attacks. In popular and political discourse, Australia's current concerns about social cohesion, in terms of belonging, legitimacy, shared values, participation and commitment, focus predominantly on Muslims. Australians appear as highly civic' in their macro-social identification.
