- The Crisafulli Government confirms new 11-member Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council.
- The Council features people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds from across the state to advise the Minister.
- Key focuses will be building more socially cohesive and safer communities.
- The Crisafulli Government is committed to building stronger and safer communities and rejecting hatred and division.
The Crisafulli Government has confirmed the new 11-member Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council, with a variety of high-calibre members appointed for three years.
The appointed members bring a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds including Indian, Chinese, Filipino, African, Jewish, Taiwanese, Māori, and Azerbaijani. The Council will enjoy a variety of experiences including valuable lived experience of refugee or migrant backgrounds, strong community engagement and business skills.
Six of the 11 members are women, and three regional members from Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay.
Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson welcomed the new appointees and thanked the outgoing Council members for their service.
"I'm proud to unveil our refreshed Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council after strong interest during our consultation process," Minister Simpson said.
"These appointments ensure a diverse range of genders, regions, careers, religions, and cultural backgrounds for the Advisory Council to the Crisafulli Government as we deliver stronger, safer and socially cohesive communities.
"The new Council will be charged with representing the many cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds across Queensland, not just their own heritage.
"The Crisafulli Government remains focused on helping all Queenslanders have the opportunity to participate socially and economically, while championing our shared values of freedom, democracy and a fair go."
Respected community leader Beny Bol OAM, who is also a current member of Queensland Parole Board, is reappointed and continues his work on the Council.
The refreshed Council also breaks new ground with the first Māori appointment – experienced educator and community advocate Dean Harawira.
Jewish community leader Gail Paratz OAM brings interfaith networks and antisemitism experience, while Chu-Ching Yu joins the Council with 30 years' experience in international education and migration.
Other appointees include the first Asian-Australian elected to Queensland Parliament - Michael Choi OAM. He will be joined by the 2025 Multicultural Queensland Minister's Award recipient - Baptist pastor Emil Rahimov.
The full Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council consists of:
Beny Bol OAM
Anna Jones
Dean Harawira
Emil Rahimov
Michael Choi OAM
Chu-Ching Yu
Narayana Attam
Gail Paratz OAM
Raheelah Ali
Gurpreet Singh
Vivien Hanrahan
