Victoria is calling on its multicultural and multifaith communities to take part in an open consultation designed to reshape the way government supports inclusion, cohesion, and equity across the state. Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt announced that the Allan Labor Government is launching community consultations as part of its wider Multicultural Review, a process aimed at strengthening how public institutions engage with cultural and religious diversity.
Ten local government areas—both regional and metropolitan—have been selected for targeted discussions. These sessions will be led by a dedicated advisory group appointed to listen, reflect and report on what communities say is needed. At the centre of the review is George Lekakis AO, a respected name in multicultural advocacy, whose experience will steer the direction of findings and eventual policy recommendations.
Lekakis is joined by a group of well-known figures in the sector: Hass Dellal AO, Carmel Guerra OAM, Miriam Suss OAM and Mark Duckworth PSM. Between them, the advisory group brings decades of experience working across cultural, social and government interfaces.
The consultations will explore several key issues: how to tackle discrimination, how to resolve community conflict better, and what role multicultural organisations can play in strengthening everyday cohesion. It also comes at a time when the state has enshrined new laws via the Anti-Racism Strategy and the Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Bill—both designed to offer stronger protections and a clearer legal framework for marginalised communities.
Speaking on the launch of the consultation, Minister Stitt said: “Victoria’s multiculturalism is one of the most precious parts of our state—and it’s essential that our systems actively support inclusion, tackle discrimination and bring communities together.” She added, “We encourage all multicultural and multifaith communities to take part in this consultation process—your voices are integral in shaping the future of Victoria’s multicultural policies and programs.”
For Lekakis, the work goes beyond policy writing. “As someone who has dedicated my life to advocating for the rights and inclusion of multicultural communities, leading Victoria’s Multicultural Review is not just a responsibility—it’s a deeply personal mission,” he said.
He also pointed out the practical objectives of the review. “This work is about ensuring every Victorian is included, valued, and can access government services. It’s about building a future where our diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated as a strength.”
The review follows growing calls for governments to respond more effectively to challenges faced by both long-established and newly arrived communities. From language access to navigating public services, to the need for cultural sensitivity training in frontline agencies, many community leaders argue that policy still lags behind lived reality.
The state government says this process is about listening before acting. While some consultations will happen through workshops and in-person meetings, the broader public is also encouraged to contribute through an online submission platform. The government has promised that these voices will feed directly into shaping future multicultural programs and structures.
Details of where and when consultations will take place, as well as how to contribute, can be found at vic.gov.au/victorias-multicultural-review. Community leaders are already mobilising networks to spread the word and ensure attendance.
The tone of the initiative appears to signal a more active approach to diversity management—one where community participation is treated as a cornerstone, not an afterthought. And while it remains to be seen what reforms may emerge from the review, there is a clear message being sent: multicultural Victorians are not just welcome to participate, they’re being asked to lead the conversation.
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