The Allan Labor Government is strengthening Victoria's multicultural communities and their leadership.
Minister Stitt today announced that applications will soon open for key positions for a new proposed statutory body, Multicultural Victoria, which would be established later this year.
A key recommendation of the landmark Multicultural Review, Multicultural Victoria will raise the voices of multicultural and multifaith communities.
The Review heard from over 600 Victorians across over 50 sessions, recommending ways we can strengthen support for multicultural and multifaith communities.
Multicultural Victoria will improve how government listens to and connects directly with communities on the ground, ensuring we are better equipped to support and empower them.
These changes reinforce the Labor Government's ongoing commitment to stand together with multicultural communities - not against them.
The new entity would bring together the functions of two separate bodies: the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and Multicultural Affairs. It will also have new responsibilities including developing safety plans for communities affected by serious and distressing events.
Applications will shortly open for the following positions:
- A Coordinator General who will lead Multicultural Victoria
- Two Deputy Coordinators General, one of whom will be from regional Victoria
- Multicultural Community Advisory Group Members
The opening of applications coincides with Ms Vivienne Nguyen AM's term as VMC Chairperson ending.
Appointed in August 2019, Ms Nguyen played a vital role supporting the COVID-19 pandemic response and Victoria's flood recovery with multicultural communities across the state.
As Chairperson, she led engagement ensuring communities were at the centre of VMC's efforts, convened the Multifaith Advisory Group, was a member of Victoria's Anti-Racism Taskforce and led flagship celebrations such as Cultural Diversity Week.
Ms Nguyen was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for advancing multicultural Victoria.
Ms Louise Perry has been appointed as Chairperson to support this transitional period, starting Thursday 16 July. Her term is interim until Multicultural Victoria is established.
A Victorian woman of Burmese descent, she began her working life as a journalist, has experience in leading community organisations and enjoyed an extensive career in the International Development Human Rights space before joining the Victorian Public Service.
These changes will support and uplift Victoria's multicultural and multifaith communities as champions of unity and cohesion, delivering benefits for all Victorians.
The establishment of Multicultural Victoria is subject to the passage of legislation.
As stated by Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt
"We are backing Victoria's multicultural and multifaith communities - ensuring their voices are represented and heard."
"Labor will always support a multicultural Victoria. Multiculturalism is one of Victoria's greatest strengths."
"I want to thank Vivienne for her valuable contributions to the Victorian Multicultural Commission and to Victoria's multicultural communities since 2019."
As stated by outgoing VMC Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM
"It has been a privilege serving the multicultural and faith communities and supporting them in their advocacy efforts with curiosity, sincerity and integrity."
As stated by interim VMC Chairperson Louise Perry
"The establishment of Multicultural Victoria presents a unique opportunity for multicultural and multifaith affairs in our state. I look forward to working with communities, VMC staff and government as we prepare for legislative changes."
