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Radio Interview Brief

SAFM Breakfast Show 21st of March 8am

Complied for: Charlotte Fordham Harmony Day Event Manager

BACKGROUND BRIEF
Introduction: This brief aims to aid Harmony Day event manager Charlotte Fordham of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in her radio interview on the SAFM breakfast show. Detailed information regarding specific events taking place in Adelaide will aid and facilitate discussion detailing how individuals can become involved in the event. A list of anticipated interview questions and relevant answers has been complied. Information regarding the issues of Stop the boats and racism has been included. Both issues outlined have been supported with how the government is taking action. This brief acts as a support document that can be referred to when further details about the event and government policy are needed. The department can use this interview to relay the message of Harmony Day in order to create awareness regarding the event, interviews allow us to tell our story (Smith 2008, p. 338).

Details of two local events: Event 1: The World Harmony Run All information from (World Harmony Day Run 2012). Who? People from all over the globe can participate in the run or act as supporters with over 1,000,000 runners in six continents. Numerous political and religious leaders, athletes, humanitarian representatives, musicians and actors have been a part of the event. The run also visits many schools along the way ensuring children can become involved in the excitement of the event. Anybody can take part in, or attend the event. What? The event is a global torch relay run. It was founded by Sri Chinmoy, a world peace dreamer, in 1987. When? Begins on the 19th of February at 12 noon in our very own Rundle Mall with an opening ceremony. Where? The run travels through 100 countries over six continents of the globe, starting with an opening ceremony in Rundle Mall. The runners then travel through the south east of the state and arrive in Melbourne 10 days later. Why? The aim is to grow awareness, understanding and friendship on a global level. The passing of a flaming torch between runners symbolises harmony between all people. Sri Chinmoy believes using sport to channel harmony and to bring people together is very effective. There is no monetary or political cause connected to the event. How? The event brings millions of people together to celebrate harmony and unity among all, this is done through each country having event coordinators who aim to create local partnerships with schools, community groups, government departments, and sporting organisations. So we can all get involved in a global event on a local scale. It is the chance for all of us to get involved in something big without much hassle. We are lucky enough to have the event starting in our capital city due to our nations celebration so why not use this opportunity to get involved in Harmony Day to celebrate diversity and such a significant and special global event. Leveraging off this event is a strategic tactic as it is such a large scale, global event that has a large impact all over the world. Linking Harmony Day to a global event is a positive way to grow the celebration, especially as this years specific message centres around sport and how it brings people together.

Event 2: M.Y Music and Culture Festival All information from (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012b). Who? Multicultural Youth SA Inc. What? M.Y Music and Culture festival When? Sunday the 25th of March between 11am and 5pm Where? The Gawler Canopy in Rundle Mall Why? This event provides an opportunity for young people to express music and culture from around the world and showcase their talents through Harmony Day. How? The ability for many spectators to see this expose will encourage young people to embrace their talents and differences and use them to create positive change. Holding the event in an open area such as Rundle Mall in Mad March is a great way to create extra exposure as the city is buzzing! Using the theme of Harmony day allows young people to express what is important to them about equality and diversity in a creative way. With government initiatives such as Harmony Day it is sometimes difficult to engage with younger audiences. Promoting Harmony Day events specifically created for young people which give them the opportunity to express themselves and/or support peers is a positive tactic to attempt to engage them in the Harmony Day celebrations and widen whose reached and therefore made aware.

Issues facing the department: Issue Number 1: Stop the boats The issue of boat people, asylum seekers, refugees is continuously popping up as contentious. The concern that Australia is being overrun with people seeking to enter the country illegally is something hyped up within the media. Questions 8, 9, and 10 in the following section of the brief provide answers to questions regarding the issue. The department follows the Migration Act 1958 when dealing with unlawful entry into Australia (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012f). A combination of the resources and knowledge of Customs and Defence provides offshore maritime areas constant protection. Many smaller federal agencies are also involved in maintaining the monitoring (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012e). Continuous efforts by the Australian government aim to discourage people to use illegal means of transport into Australia. For those who do enter Australia illegally the Government is committed to the use of high quality detention services while their claims are considered or their removal is being facilitated. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012f).

Issue Number 2: But we dont want a multicultural Australia!! The issue of some Australian citizens not wanting a multicultural society is still, unfortunately, evident. Some Australian citizens disagree with multiculturalism they do not enjoy the thought of our nation comprising of people from all over the world. It seems no matter how far we progress racism will always be evident. It is very disappointing when these racist feelings and thoughts not only exist but become racist actions that sometimes end with fatalities. The Australian Governments Department of Immigration and Citizenship facilitate programs that aim to eliminate racism and achieve a more tolerant, multicultural society (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012c). The following information outlines the Diversity and Social Cohesion Program which aims to help reduce and hopefully one day remove racism from our society so that multiculturalism can be fully accepted and embraced. The Diversity and Social Cohesion Program is an Australian Government initiative that evolved from the 'Living in Harmony' program which was established in 1998. The primary objective of DSCP is to help not for profit community organisations turn plans into reality. If your idea promotes respect, fairness and sense of belonging for everyone, then we might be able to help you. Commencing in 201112, the DSCP also includes a new small grants program for multicultural arts and festivals. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012d)

Key objectives The program is a major component of the Government's approach to cultural diversity. The key objectives are: the importance of all Australians respecting one another regardless of cultural, racial or religious differences the fair treatment of all Australians, encouraging people to recognise that our interactions should be accepting of, and responsive to, each others backgrounds, circumstances, needs and preferences opportunities for people to participate equitably in Australian society and to understand the rights and responsibilities that we share as part of that society a sense of belonging for everyone by helping communities work towards a spirit of inclusiveness and a shared identity as Australians the benefits of living in a culturally diverse society to build the capacity of specific communities who are under significant pressure because of their culture or religion . (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012d)

Anticipated interview questions: 1. What is the purpose of Harmony Day and why is it something we are being urged to celebrate? Harmony Day has been created to celebrate Australias cultural diversity. It is a great opportunity for all Australians to celebrate how wonderful it is to live in such a multicultural society, plus our similarities and our differences. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012c). 2. When is Harmony Day and who celebrates it? Harmony Day is celebrated on the 21st of March every year, it is designed to be celebrated by all Australians and is managed and organised by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012c). 3. How and where can we celebrate Harmony Day? The great thing about Harmony Day is that you can shape how, where and when you want to celebrate it by creating your own Harmony Day event via our website. Once you have decided how you would like to celebrate just click on our Register your event tab on the Harmony Day website and away you go. If you register long enough before the day we will send you some Harmony Day promotional material to help in your celebration. All sorts of events can be registered some examples include, picnics, sporting events, musical and creative showcases, school assembly celebrations, and art exhibitions. 4. Which issues are addressed by Harmony Day? Every year the main issue addressed by Harmony Day centres around a nation free from discrimination and inequality. It also aims to remember who the original inhabitants of our country are and to recognise them as our countries traditional landowners. This year there is a focus on the role of sport in bringing many diverse people together who share the same passion. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012c). 5. Who supports Harmony Day? Due to the theme of this years Harmony Day we have some very exciting supporters including the Australian Sports Commission, the AFL, Cricket Australia, the National Rugby League, Football Federation Australia, Netball Australia and Play By The Rules. All these supporters embrace the fact that sport creates an opportunity for people of varying backgrounds and experience to come together and interact. Our other major supports are the Scanlon Foundation, SBS, the Australian

Human Rights Commission, the Australian Red Cross, Girl Guides Australia, Scouts Australia, Unisys, Universal Mc Cann and Local Government Managers Australia. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012g).

6. What is Harmony Days message? Every year Harmony Day spreads the message that Everyone Belongs. No matter your background, where you have come from, what your experiences are, you are a part of this wonderful nation we call home. Embracing that our multiculturalism makes us such an interesting and diverse place. It enriches our way of life and makes Australia an amazing place to live. This years focus on sport has created the sub message: Sport- play, engage, inspire. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012c).

7. Was the recent Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony successful? How many individuals become citizens? Why do we celebrate this occasion? Yes the celebrations were definitely enjoyed by all involved. The celebrations are not only for those becoming Australian citizens but for existing Australians who want to be involved in affirmation ceremonies. Affirmation ceremonies were introduced in 1999 for Australians to express their pride and loyalty to their country. Australia Day, the most popular day of the year to make the pledge, this year, saw around 13,700 individuals become Australian citizens. We celebrate the citizenship and affirmation ceremonies on Australia Day to acknowledge our pride, love and commitment to our country. We celebrate all that makes us Australian and our Australian values on this day. It is the perfect opportunity to make the pledge or to reaffirm it and celebrate our multiculturalism. (Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012). 8. How do you feel the department is dealing with border security? The issue of boarder security is not something I am here to discuss. Our department has an effective strategy in place to manage travel in and out of Australian boarders. The Migration Act 1958 requires people who are not Australian citizens and who are unlawfully in Australia to be detained. Unless they are given legal permission to remain in Australia by being granted a visa, unlawful non-citizens must be removed from Australia as soon as reasonably possible. We have sophisticated policies for dealing with those who try to enter Australia unlawfully. Prevention of illegal travel to and from Australia is being partly managed through the development of various networks by the department.

(Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012f).

9. Are asylum seekers becoming a problem for our country? Are our opportunities being threatened? This is not an issue I would like to discuss today as we are here to talk about the nations Harmony Day celebrations. The government has a strict Migration Act and this is how we manage the unlawful entry attempts into Australia. 10. How do you felt the government dealt with the recent decision to create the Inverbrackie detention centre? The decision to utilise the empty homes in the Inverbrackie area as detention facilities is not something I am here to discuss today. We appreciate that everybody has his or her own feelings about the decision and how the public were informed. We welcome enquires from all people affected by the decision wishing to seek out information and/or those who desire to voice their opinions.

Bibliography 5aa 2012, Amanda Blair on 5aa, Adelaide, viewed 28 March 2012, <http://www.fiveaa.com.au/show_amanda-blair_28>. Aronson, M & Spetner, D 2007, The public relations writers handbook: the digital age, 2nd edn, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA. Bivins, TH 2011, Public Relations Writing- The Essentials of Style and Format, 7th edn, Mc Graw Hill, New York. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations 2011, About The Department, Canberra, viewed 29 February, <http://www.deewr.gov.au/department/Pages/About.aspx>. Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012, Aussies celebrate their citizenship on Australia Day, media release, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Canberra, 22 January, viewed 15 March 2012, <http://www.newsroom.immi.gov.au/media_releases/1003?page=2&>. Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012a, About The Department, Canberra, viewed 29 February, <http://www.immi.gov.au/>. Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012b, Harmony Day, Canberra, viewed 14 March, <https://www.ecom.immi.gov.au/harmonyday/sortEvent.do?action=SortStartD ate>. Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012c, Harmony Day Fact Sheet, Canberra viewed 15 March 2012, <http://www.harmony.gov.au/_docs/harmony-day-2012-fact-sheet.pdf>. Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012d, Living in AustraliaDiversity and Social Cohesion Program (DSCP), Canberra, viewed 14 March 2012, <http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/deliveringassistance/government-programs/dscp/>. Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012e, Managing Australia's Borders- About Boarder Security, Canberra, viewed 14 March 2012, <http://www.immi.gov.au/managing-australias-borders/bordersecurity/about/>. Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012f, Managing Australia's Borders- Background to Immigration Detention, Canberra, viewed 14 March 2012, <http://www.immi.gov.au/managing-australiasborders/detention/about/background.htm>. Department of Immigration and Citizenship 2012g, Supporters, Canberra viewed 15 March 2012, <http://www.harmony.gov.au/supporters/>.

Smith, RD 2008, Becoming a public relations writer: a writing process workbook for the profession, 3rd edn, Routledge/Taylor and Francis Group, New York. Triple J 2012, The Doctor, Sydney, viewed 28 March 2012, <http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/thedoctor/>. Triple M 2012, The Hot Breakfast, Adelaide, viewed 28 March 2012, <http://www.triplem.com.au/adelaide/shows/hot-breakfast>. World Harmony Day Run 2012, Organisers, viewed 14 March, <http://www.worldharmonyrun.org/about/organizers>.