Learn English—Australia tells immigrants

She was speaking during a lecture by Australian Multicultural Council in Canberra two days ago.

Immigrants bound to follow laws—After coming to Australia, immigrants must consider it a part of their duty to not just learn English but also follow laws of the nation.

After all, asking immigrants to learn to be an Aussie is not, by any means, too much. Speaking about various rights and obligations of immigrants after coming to Australia, Ms. Gillard said multiculturalism is the amalgamation of all the rights as well as the duties.

Hence, immigrants must make sure to learn English, to follow all laws, to participate in Australia’s democracy and to consider women as equal in the society.

Only by doing so can immigrants hope to find a shared identity in Australia, she further affirmed.

Criticizes violent protests as against true multiculturalism--Her address was closely related to unrest in Australia following violent demonstrations hit Sydney a couple of days ago.

Several protestors involved in violence were taken into custody by police officials after the demonstrations Muslims protested against a YouTube film in America that they allege to be an insult of their prophet.

The Australian PM came out heavily against what she called as an extremist behavior of protestors. She said the incidents that took place in Sydney were no way related to multiculturalism. Rather it was a sheer exhibition of extremism, she clarified.

New immigrants be taught lessons on Australian way of life—And the significance of learning to become an Aussie was also stressed by John Howard, a former Australian Prime Minister. Immigrants are welcome to live in Australia, free to worship, free to honor their heritage, said Howard.

And in return, what Australia expects from newcomers is the responsibility to abide by the values and standards of Australian society which they must agree to live by, he affirmed.

Immigrants must be given civic education to make sure all are able to appreciate the place where they have decided to live, the former PM maintained. And newcomers need to see to it that their kids too are taught to leave behind all hatreds.