Multicultural affairs

The Coalition Government is working to ensure Victoria remains a cohesive multicultural, multilingual and multifaith society.

Cultural diversity is one of our State’s greatest assets and strengths. The Coalition Government is supporting communities to allow them to maintain and express their cultural identity, to respect the diversity of others and to fulfil their responsibilities as citizens of Victoria.

Our multicultural policies are focused on providing culturally sensitive world-class services, promoting and supporting the teaching and learning of languages, and assisting multicultural communities to participate fully in society. We will be increasing support for multicultural arts, community and volunteer programs and providing improved funding for multicultural festivals and events.

We will strengthen the role of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, which will play a critical part in a whole-of-government approach to multicultural affairs.

We believe our multicultural communities make a significant contribution to Victoria’s development – both culturally and economically. We will encourage and support initiatives and activities that further strengthen and unite these communities, for the benefit of Victorians.

Achievements and policies implemented in the first year of Coalition Government

• Implemented new Regional Advisory Councils
• Established the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship and Settlement Coordination Unit
• Appointed a new Victorian Multicultural Commission
• Promoted Unity in Partnership Grants – a new $4.4 million program allocated over the next four years to establish a calendar of major multicultural festivals and events throughout Victoria
• Established the new Ministerial Advisory Council for a Multilingual and Multicultural Victoria (MACMAMV).

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