People born overseas, or who have at least one parent born overseas, make up almost half our population.
Multicultural society is not reflected in parliament. One reason is that our constitution prevents MPs from holding dual citizenship. The requirement that they must be renounce their foreign ties is outdated in the globalised age.
We need our leaders to have an understanding of, and respectful, other cultures.
Electing more immigrants to Parliament may insure that policies are more inclusive and less xenophobic.
Surely this will benefit us all.
First published as a letter to The Age in 2018