Innes said that the recently announced policy, The People of Australia: Australia's Multicultural Policy affirms that Australia's cultural diversity has defined the nation over generations.

"We are a multicultural country today, we will continue to be a multicultural country in the future, and that is why a multicultural policy is critical," he said.

"It is a policy that commits to fairness, equality and inclusion for all people in Australia. And in order to achieve this, there must be zero tolerance for racial discrimination."

Innes particularly welcomed the establishment of a representative council and the commitment to development of a national anti-racism strategy, and emphasised that the development of the policy will help Australia meet its international obligations under the Convention Against Racial Discrimination and the Universal Periodic Review.

"We look forward to working with the Australian Government to deliver specific strategies and programs that will enable the full potential of this policy to be realised," said Innes.