The Victorian Government will soon open applications for leadership positions for a proposed new statutory body, Multicultural Victoria, as it moves ahead with reforms aimed at strengthening engagement with the state’s multicultural and multifaith communities.
Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Ingrid Stitt announced the next step on Wednesday, with the new body expected to be established later this year, subject to the passage of legislation.
Multicultural Victoria was recommended by the state’s Multicultural Review, which gathered feedback from more than 600 Victorians across more than 50 consultation sessions. The review called for a stronger framework to support multicultural and multifaith communities and improve the way government engages with them.
The proposed body will combine the functions of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Multicultural Affairs Victoria. It will also take on new responsibilities, including developing safety plans for communities affected by serious and distressing events.
Applications will open shortly for a Coordinator General to lead Multicultural Victoria, two Deputy Coordinators General, including one from regional Victoria, and members of a Multicultural Community Advisory Group.
Ms Louise Perry has been appointed interim Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission from 16 July and will serve until Multicultural Victoria is established
Ms Vivienne Nguyen AM will conclude her term as Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission after serving since August 2019. During her tenure, she supported multicultural communities through the COVID-19 pandemic and Victoria’s flood recovery, led engagement across diverse communities, established the Multifaith Advisory Group, contributed to Victoria’s Anti-Racism Taskforce and oversaw Cultural Diversity Week celebrations. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for her contribution to multicultural Victoria.
Ms Louise Perry has been appointed interim Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission from 16 July and will serve until Multicultural Victoria is established. Perry, a Victorian of Burmese descent, began her career as a journalist before working in community organisations, international development, human rights and later the Victorian Public Service.
Announcing the appointments, Stitt said the government remained committed to supporting Victoria’s multicultural communities.
“We are backing Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities – ensuring their voices are represented and heard.”
She added: “Labor will always support a multicultural Victoria. Multiculturalism is one of Victoria’s greatest strengths.”
Stitt also acknowledged Nguyen’s contribution, saying: “I want to thank Vivienne for her valuable contributions to the Victorian Multicultural Commission and to Victoria’s multicultural communities since 2019.”
Reflecting on her time as chair, Nguyen said: “It has been a privilege serving the multicultural and faith communities and supporting them in their advocacy efforts with curiosity, sincerity and integrity.”
Perry said the proposed changes would provide an opportunity to strengthen multicultural affairs in Victoria.
“The establishment of Multicultural Victoria presents a unique opportunity for multicultural and multifaith affairs in our state. I look forward to working with communities, VMC staff and government as we prepare for legislative changes.”
If passed by Parliament, the legislation will establish Multicultural Victoria as the state’s new statutory body responsible for strengthening connections between government and Victoria’s multicultural and multifaith communities.
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