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Article published In: Journal of Language and Politics
Vol. 25:1 (2026) ► pp.97–118

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Navigating the ideological tide

Discourses on “Mainstreaming” social service provision for multicultural communities in Australia from 1996 to 2021

ORCiD logo with link | Deakin University
ORCiD logo with link | Deakin University
ORCiD logo with link | Deakin University
Published online: 10 March 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jlp.24106.wen
Abstract
This paper examines if and how policy discourses about social service provisions to multicultural communities are affected by the so-called backlash against multiculturalism, which began in Europe and the UK, and how this backlash has influenced Australia. Ideological approaches to social policy changes are often implicit, manifesting through long-term shifts in public discourses. This paper presents a critical discourse analysis of public and policy documents referencing service provision for multicultural communities from 1996 to 2021. The analysis finds that since the 1996 election of the Howard government, Australian public discourse on diversity governance has increasingly emphasised mainstreaming as an approach to diversity governance. These mainstreaming discourses are ideologically expressed in inclusionary and exclusionary forms that either over-emphasise or normalise Australia’s ethno-cultural diversity. Findings also show dissonances between public discourse and policy on this mainstreamed approach, which can have a detrimental impact on intersectional communities facing marginalisation and inequity.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction: The contested politics of multiculturalism in contemporary Australia
  • 2.‘Mainstreaming’ and diversity governance
  • 3.Methodology
    • a.Identification
    • b.Title and abstract screening:
    • c.Full-text screening
    • d.Included
  • 4.Data analysis
    • 4.1How has the Australian Government managed and approached the need for multicultural services over time?
    • 4.2How have discourses around policy, funding and service provision for multicultural communities developed over time at various levels of governance?
      • Exclusionary and inclusionary mainstreaming
        • 4.2.1Funding cuts in the late 1990s
        • 4.2.2Media shift to exclusive mainstreaming discourse from 2000
        • 4.2.3Inclusionary mainstreaming discourse persists in policy documents
  • 5.Discussion and concluding observations
  • Acknowledgement
  • Notes
  • References
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