Queensland has confirmed the latest membership of its Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council, appointing 11 individuals to serve for the next three years. The council, set up under the Multicultural Recognition Act 2016 to advise the Minister for Multiculturalism on the opportunities and barriers facing culturally and linguistically diverse people, will continue its role in informing government on community needs and cultural inclusion.
The new cohort includes individuals from a range of backgrounds, representing Indian, Chinese, Filipino, African, Jewish, Taiwanese, Māori and Azerbaijani heritage. Members bring varied experience in community engagement, business, education and advocacy, with several having personal experience of migration or refugee journeys. Six appointees are women, and the council also includes representatives from regional Queensland, including Cairns, Townsville and Mackay.
Fiona Simpson, Minister for Multiculturalism, said the refreshed council reflects interest shown during a recent consultation process and will support the government’s focus on building stronger, safer and cohesive communities. She thanked outgoing members for their contributions. The council is tasked with representing the views of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds across the state and advising on how policies and programs can respond to their needs.
Among those appointed is community leader Beny Bol OAM, who has been reappointed and continues his work on the council. The latest intake also includes the first Māori member, educator and community advocate Dean Harawira. Gail Paratz OAM, known for her work in interfaith networks and on antisemitism, and Chu‑Ching Yu, with decades of experience in international education and migration, are also part of the council. Other members include former Queensland MP Michael Choi OAM and Baptist pastor Emil Rahimov, a recent recipient of a Minister’s Multicultural Queensland Award.
The council’s role, as defined by government policy, involves advising on the needs, aspirations and contributions of culturally diverse communities and promoting the principles of the multicultural charter within Queensland. It also offers input on how government services can be more responsive to people from diverse backgrounds.
Supporters of the council’s work say its continued existence offers a structured link between diverse communities and policymaking, helping ensure that voices from across the state are heard. Critics of such advisory bodies in general sometimes question how much influence they have on concrete policy outcomes, suggesting ongoing scrutiny of their impact remains important.
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