The Victorian Government has announced a major overhaul of the state’s multicultural policy approach, following the release of the landmark Multicultural Review led by George Lekakis AO.
Unveiled by Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt, the Review outlines a unified vision for a more inclusive and connected Victoria – one that centres multicultural communities as essential partners in shaping the state’s future.
More than 640 Victorians and over 150 peak bodies and community organisations participated in the Review’s 57 consultation sessions across the state.
As part of its initial response, the government will establish a new statutory body, Multicultural Victoria, supported by a Multicultural Coordinator General, two Deputies (including one from regional Victoria), and a five-member advisory council. The new body will unify the current roles of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and policy functions from the relevant department, while taking on new responsibilities – including the creation of safety plans for communities affected by distressing events.
Premier Allan said the review marks a turning point for the state’s multicultural agenda.
“We are one Victoria and we’ll never be divided. Multiculturalism isn’t the problem – it is the solution,” she said. “This is our vision for a united Victoria – strong anti-hate laws, strong values, and a strong society, with multicultural organisations as our stable partners and multicultural people as our champions of cohesion.”
As part of the next steps, the Premier will lead a new whole-of-government multicultural strategy, requiring multicultural needs to be considered in all Cabinet decisions. The move aims to integrate multicultural considerations across every portfolio — not just within cultural affairs.
Another key component of the response is the launch of a Social Cohesion Commitment – to be piloted with grant applicants before rolling out more broadly across all government funding programs.
To support multicultural organisations directly, a $5 million capacity fund will be introduced. This aims to help organisations not only deliver services but also become leaders in tackling social division and promoting inclusion.
In addition, $925,000 will be invested to support greater visitation to multicultural museums across Victoria. The funding responds to concerns about reduced attendance in recent years and seeks to reconnect communities – especially children – with the diverse cultural stories that shape the state.
“Multicultural museum visitation has sadly fallen at such a critical moment in time,” said Premier Allan.
“We’ll help more Victorians learn the lessons of the Holocaust and hear the stories of Islam, Judaism and more.”
These museums include the Holocaust Museum, Islamic Museum, Jewish Museum, Chinese Museum, the new Vietnamese Museum, and the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo.
Minister Stitt said the review goes beyond paperwork – it lays the groundwork for stronger, more resilient communities.
“The Review is just one part of addressing social cohesion – but it’s the most important part of all, because a vision for a united Victoria starts by listening to multicultural communities and empowering them to lead,” she said.
“Multicultural Victoria will strengthen leadership of the sector and reset the agenda after such a challenging five years, and our new capacity grants will make organisations stronger so they can be a part of the change,” Minister Stitt said.
According to the government, this response is about “rebuilding trust, re-engaging with communities, and resetting the multicultural agenda with a shared vision of a united Victoria – right when we need it most.”
The full Victorian Government response to the Lekakis Review is available at: www.vic.gov.au/victorias-multicultural-review
