“Migrants should be called CALD” and Australian Culture = “Edna Everidge, pavlova, fish and chips, Australian Rules football, the summer barbecue and drinks after work”

Bosses should stop calling migrants “ethnic” because it might be discriminatory – and instead use the politically correct term “CALD”, or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse.

Casual swearing should also be avoided, as it may appear provocative or aggressive.

Despite Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s penchant for obscure Aussie colloquialisms, the Immigration Department is frowning upon strine and slang in the workplace, in a new guide for employers.

The official document warns the Australian accent can baffle even English-speaking migrants, and tells bosses and workmates to speak slowly, clearly and simply.

“Keep in mind common Australian expressions may be misunderstood, for example, ‘bring a plate’, ‘this machine is cactus’ and ‘he really spat the dummy that time’.

“For some people, casual swearing may also be seen as aggressive or provocative and new employees may not be sure how to respond.

“If it appears your new employee is baffled by the sense of humour and the jokes of your other employees, have someone help them out.”

“Referring to someone as an ‘ethnic’ is not acceptable, given its assumptions and stereotypes, and connotations between the term and other racial slurs such as ‘wog’, ‘chink’ and other discriminatory labels,” its fact sheet states.

The Harmony in the Workplace guide says Australian culture can seem “alien” to migrants – including “Edna Everidge, pavlova, fish and chips, Australian Rules football, the summer barbecue and drinks after work”.

It tells bosses that migrants are “entitled to wear religious dress at work unless it creates a safety hazard”.

“If items of clothing cover the face you can ask an employee to show their face for reasonable identification purposes,” it states.

ACCI director of employment Jenny Lambert said bosses were entitled to set dress standards and make staff wear uniforms.

“There is no doubt employees can have uniform codes, although many workers may also wear a turban if the employer says it’s OK,” she said.

The Harmony in the Workplace guide also explains that some migrant workers will need time off work for prayer.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Kate Lundy launched the “harmony” guide and fact sheets last week.

One in four Australian workers was born overseas, and 17 per cent hail from non-English speaking countries.

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AUSSIE WORKPLACE TRANSLATION

Sickie – day off sick

Bludger – lazy person

Flat out – busy

Offsider – assistant

Stoked – pleased

Stuffed – tired

Compo – compensation

Smoko – coffee break

Hard yakka – hard work

Arvo – afternoon

Cuppa – a cup of tea or coffee

She’ll be right – it will be OK

You bewdy – excellent

Cactus – broken

Fair dinkum – true

Spit the dummy – get upset

Give it a burl – try it

Knock – criticise

Bring a plate – of food to share

Mate’s rate – discount for friends

No worries – everything’s OK

Tee up – set up an appointment