The Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University is organising a symposium, Exploring the Challenges of Super-Diverse Populations in Australia and the Asia-Pacific Region, to be held at The Deck at Regatta Point on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th June 2018.

The aim is to bring together academics, government officials and policy makers to share and discuss ideas on the types of research needed to identify the important questions for multiculturalism and integration research in Australia and the possible implications these will have for the future.

Symposium overview:

A demographic transition to greater ethno-racial diversity will create challenges and opportunities for industrialised societies in coming decades. Increasing super-diversity and demographic complexity has the potential to generate public angst and concern, primarily about the long-term implications on society. This is frequently demonstrated in public debates on multiculturalism, citizenship, security, education, employment and economic security. These debates are often underpinned by growing support for populist ‘anti-politics’ leaders and a greater visibility of far right-wing political movements. Using perspectives from government agencies, NGOs and academia, this workshop will explore these new demographic, social and political challenges with the aim of contributing to policy-relevant research in Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

Speakers:

Some of our confirmed speakers include:

• Dr Anna Boucher (Keynote Speaker, University of Sydney
• Mr Damien Kilner (Assistant Secretary, Department of Home Affairs; Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs)
• Dr Emma Campbell (Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia)
• Dr Anthea Hancocks (Chief Executive Officer, Scanlon Foundation)
• Prof. Catherine Waldby (ANU)
• Prof. James Jupp (ANU)
• Mr Evan Lewis (Assistant Secretary, Department of Social Services; Settlement Services)

Schedule:

A tentative schedule for the symposium is as follows:

Day 1

08:45-09:15   Coffee and registration
09:15-09:30   Welcoming Remarks
09:30-11:00   Session 1 Global Migration, Multiculturalism and Citizenship
11:00-11:30   Morning Tea break
11:30-13:00   Session 2 Challenges of Super Diverse Populations, Government Research Priorities
13:00-14:00   Lunch
14:00-15:30   Session 3 Challenges of Super Diverse Populations, Academic Research Priorities
15:30-16:00   Afternoon Tea
16:00-17:00   Session 4 Case Studies and Community Engagement

Day 2

09:30-11:00   Session 5 Migration and Family Formation
11:00-11:30   Morning Tea break
11:30-13:00   Session 6 Discrimination and Racial Prejudice
13:00-14:00   Lunch
14:00-15:30   Session 7 Demographic Consequences
15:30-16:00   Afternoon Tea

Sponsorship and Organisers:

This symposium is sponsored by the Research School of Social Sciences Cross-College Grant Scheme and the ANU Migration, Mobility & Movement Network. The Organisers of the symposium are Associate Professor Juliet Pietsch from the School of Politics and International Relations, and Professor James Raymer and Associate Professor Ann Evans from the School of Demography.

If you would like to come along as a guest or be a speaker please contact Louise Sims. There are limited spaces left.