I am proud to share the Victorian Government Report on Multicultural Affairs 2022–23. This report highlights our commitment to embracing and celebrating Victoria’s unique cultural diversity and ability to create a respectful, dynamic, and inclusive society for all.
This report also demonstrates our commitment to transparency and accountability, providing an overview on government spending and outcomes against government policies and initiatives. Most importantly, this document outlines how the Victorian Government has worked with multicultural communities to deliver meaningful programs that have supported multicultural Victorians.
I would like to acknowledge The Hon Ros Spence MP who served as Minister for Multicultural Affairs from March 2020 to December 2022. Minister Spence was critical in leading the government response to support Victoria’s multicultural communities at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I would also like to acknowledge the leadership of The Hon Colin Brooks MP, who served as Minister for Multicultural Affairs from December 2022 to October 2023. During his time, Minister Brooks worked tirelessly to support Victoria’s multicultural communities as the state recovered from the pandemic and significant flooding in October 2022.
In 2022–23 the Victorian Government committed $63.3 million for programs, initiatives and communications activities that support our multicultural and faith communities. This included $6.4 million for culturally significant infrastructure upgrades so communities can enjoy culturally safe spaces.
A $3.3 million investment was committed to support Victoria’s newly arrived migrant communities and people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to improve settlement outcomes. As well, $4.4 million was committed to continue delivering the Victorian African Communities Action Plan to help address the social and economic needs of Victorians of African heritage.
Victorians were also supported to celebrate cultural festivals and traditions through a $2.8 million investment in the Multicultural Festivals and Events program.
I would like to thank all government departments and staff who have contributed to this report. I would also like to sincerely thank our multicultural community members. Your commitment and leadership supporting your communities is deeply appreciated and I cannot thank you enough for the important work that you do.
I am dedicated to working closely with Victoria’s multicultural communities to continue delivering our commitments. I look forward to continuing our shared work in driving meaningful outcomes for all communities.
Ingrid Stitt MP
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
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