Recent recommendations by the European Commission would have all secondary students in the European Community (EC) studying two EC languages other than their own. In multicultural Australia, where English is a shared language, students are encouraged to study other languages, especially "trade" languages that are also the home languages of many students; however, this policy does not yet have widespread support. The attitude is reflected in low language enrollments at the higher education level. The interdependence of economics and politics is supported in the popular press, but the interdependence of economic efficiency and cultural context is only recently gaining recognition. Australian policy on multiculturalism and immigrant employment have not evolved sufficiently yet. Australia can afford to and is beginning to shed its ambivalence and indulge in linguistic pluralism, including acceptance of the language and culture of the aboriginal population. Misinterpretations of multiculturalism and fears of lost heritage have shaped attitudes and policy too long. Inconsistency in language education policy and trade policy should also be remedied. Hasty improvisation in language program planning is unwise, but sound policy based on broader perspectives and developing the full range of available human resources is necessary. (MSE)