The appointment of Senator Kate Lundy as Minister for Multicultural Affairs has received mixed response in Australia. She is the first minister given the portfolio which was abolished in 2007 by then Prime Minister John Howard who preferred to push for a shared national identity.

Some groups see Ms Lundy's appointment as a token gesture and an attempt by the Australian Labor Party to get more votes particularly from women. Besides the Multicultural Affairs post, Ms Lundy also got the Sports portfolio from resigned Senator Mark Arbib.

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) lauded Prime Minister Julia Gillard for elevating multicultural policy through the creation of Ms Lundy's post.

"Multiculturalism sets the tone for an inclusive and welcoming community and Senator Kate Lundy's appointment will ensure the commitment to drive reform and deliver for the Australian people," Race Discrimination Commissioner Helen Szoke said in a statement.

She added that strong policy and effective delivery is the key to increase the strength of Australia's diversity.

The main task of Ms Lundy is to implement the People of Australia policy which aims to develop a National Anti-Racism Strategy being pushed by the AHRC.

"All Australians, regardless of where they come from, have a right to enjoy equal opportunity and contribute fully to Australian society; the delivery of the National Anti-Racism Strategy will ensure that we continue to work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination," Ms Szoke added.

However, Mark Lopez, the author of The Origins of Multiculturalism in Australian Politics, said the reinstatement of the portfolio is just a symbolic gesture.

"Where it could be problematic for them trying to get votes is in multiculturalism being used to define the identity of the nation. That's always been the weak spot.... But if they're sticking to diverse policies it could be great for (Labor)," ABC quoted Mr Lopez.

The Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia (FECCA) also backed Ms Lundy's appointment.

"I think it's a very strong statement by the government that we need to be able to engage with the diversity which makes up our population and in such a way as that we try and maximise its value," FECCA Chairman Pino Migliorino said.

Dr James Jupp of the Australian National University said the portfolio was revived in response to the extremely large swings against Labor in the parts of Sydney during the last election. He cited the 23 per cent swing in Cabramatta, which is an indicator that residents believe that the party does not look after ethnic minorities.

Besides Ms Lundy, the other new addition to the Gillard cabinet is David Bradbury who was appointed Assistant Treasurer. Eleven of the new appointees took their oath of office on Monday before Governor General Quentin Bryce. Four of them took their oath before a Bible, while the seven others took a non-religious affirmation of office.

The swearing into office of incoming Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr is expected to be later this week after the New South Wales Parliament confirms his appointment to the Australian Senate. While waiting for the event, Mr Carr is using the time to talk to diplomats and former foreign ministers, including his immediate predecessor, Kevin Rudd.