By Dr Bibiana Chan (originally published on LinkedIn)
I listened to Pauline Hanson’s speech at the National Press Club today and was intrigued by her call for Australia to become “monocultural”.
Perhaps someone could help me understand what “monocultural” actually means. Is there any country on Planet Earth that is truly monocultural?
From my studies in acculturation, cultural exchange works both ways. When people from different backgrounds live side by side, newcomers adapt to the host country, but the host society also adopts ideas, foods and practices from the new residents.
Back in 2000, a newspaper survey reported that around 30% of Queensland households owned a Chinese cooking utensil — the humble wok. Fast forward to 2026, and I suspect that number would be much higher. Many Australian households probably have a flat-bottomed wok sitting somewhere in the kitchen cupboard.
Which brings me to a light-hearted question: do you think Pauline owns a wok in her kitchen?
If so, that little piece of cookware is a reminder that cultures naturally influence one another. That is not a threat — it is simply how societies evolve.
Perhaps Australia’s strength has never been about becoming “monocultural”, but about building a shared national identity while embracing the many cultural threads that have become part of everyday Australian life.
Bibi, I love this. A wok is quiet, patient, and works with whatever you put in it — sounds like the opposite of monoculturalism to me. 😄
I’m going to guess Pauline has at least one. Maybe two. And I bet she makes a very good stir-fry without even realising the pan she’s holding is the whole argument against her speech. 🍳
Thank you for always finding the warmest, funniest way to say the truest things.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 😊🙏