The Crisafulli Government has confirmed a refreshed 11-member Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council, appointing members for three-year terms to advise the Minister on building stronger, safer and socially cohesive communities across the state.
The new Council brings together members from Indian, Chinese, Filipino, African, Jewish, Taiwanese, Māori and Azerbaijani backgrounds, reflecting Queensland’s broad cultural mix. Several appointees bring lived experience of refugee or migrant journeys alongside deep community engagement and business skills.
Six of the 11 members are women, with regional representation from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.
Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson welcomed the new appointees and acknowledged the work of outgoing members.
“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 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 and Vivien Hanrahan
“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 the Queensland Parole Board, has been reappointed and will continue his work on the Council.
The refreshed group includes the Council’s first Māori appointment, experienced educator and community advocate Dean Harawira. Jewish community leader Gail Paratz OAM joins with a background in interfaith networks and work addressing antisemitism, while Chu-Ching Yu brings three decades of experience in international education and migration.
Other appointees include Michael Choi OAM, the first Asian-Australian elected to the Queensland Parliament, and Emil Rahimov, a Baptist pastor and recipient of the 2025 Multicultural Queensland Minister’s Award.
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 and Vivien Hanrahan.
As the new members begin their terms, the Council is expected to play a central role in advising the government on ways to strengthen inclusion, safety and participation across Queensland’s diverse communities.
Maria Irene is India Correspondent for The Indian Sun, reporting on technology, finance, culture, and diaspora stories across India and Australia, with a special focus on initiatives led by the Australian High Commission and its Consulates across India
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