Every Victorian deserves to feel safe, belong and express their heritage and faith.
That's why we've passed new Multicultural legislation through Parliament.
Through the Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Bill, we are redefining how we support and celebrate multicultural and multifaith Victorians.
Our state is made up of people with more than 300 ancestries, who speak more than 290 languages following more than 200 faiths.
This reform will ensure diverse communities have an independent voice in government to influence policies and programs.
A key outcome of the legislation is the establishment of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, a new independent entity that will give diverse communities a stronger voice in government.
Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria will support and advise government departments and agencies including health and emergency services.
It will have strong reporting powers to drive multicultural outcomes across government and he
lp ensure multicultural and multifaith considerations are included in policy.
Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria will be led by a Coordinator General and two deputies appointed through an independent process.
These appointees will represent and advocate for all communities in an impartial and transparent way.
Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria will commence operations on 1 October.
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Paul Edbrooke
""This legislation sends a clear message: multiculturalism is one of Victoria's greatest strengths. Every Victorian should feel safe, valued and free to express their culture, heritage and faith."
"Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria marks a new chapter in government's partnership with these communities, strengthening engagement, accountability and community participation."
