the words "multiculturalism" and "integration" are abused by "the decision-makers".

Darfur Community Association of Australia president Abdelhadi Matar believes there is not any genuine intention to embrace a diverse multicultural society in Australia.

"I think the word integration has been given a different meaning here, especially by politicians.

"To my simple knowledge, to integrate means be part of the whole without forgetting what you are. But the way the term is used here is totally different. It always seems migrants are pushed to leave their values behind and adopt the Australian ones."

Mr Matar said he felt the terms "Australian", "Aussie" and "refugee" were divisive.

"I feel I am Australian to a certain extent, like having an Australian passport, having the right to vote in elections and supporting Australia in sports competitions.

"But, from my point of view, being Australian means you are descending from an English-speaking background."

The Darfur Australia Network spokesman said he felt part of the wider Australian community, because the country is "made out of migrants."

Mr Matar said the wider Australian community should "take time" to respect and understand the Sudanese people.

"My community is recently emerging and they need some time before they settle down and adopt to the new culture.

"I hope the other communities will understand this process is not an easy task. I am quite certain they will find at the end, whatever opinions they had formed about the Sudanese, through the negative reports of the media, will not define my community at all."

He said Australia dealt with race relations better than European countries and the US.

"In general, Australia has not got a racism problem.

"I think that does not mean people are always treated the same way.

"The race appears obvious when someone is applying for a good job and approaching certain services by the phone where your accent always counts."