Victoria’s multicultural groups and communities have welcomed the creation of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, a new agency aimed at giving diverse communities a stronger voice in government.

Legislation creating the agency recently passed through the Victorian Parliament.

The Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria Bill, will redefine how multicultural and multifaith Victorians are supported and celebrated, the government says.

Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) Deputy Chairperson Ms Dalal Samaan welcomed the new agency.

 “RCAA welcomes the establishment of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria (MMV) and its commitment to giving Victoria’s diverse and multicultural communities a stronger independent voice in government,” Ms Samaan said.

“The 45-year legacy, contribution and strong community foundations built by the Victorian Multicultural Commission must continue and be strengthened through a genuinely independent MMV,” she said.

But Ms Samaan urged the new agency to consult with grass roots community groups and members of new and emerging communities.

“RCAA urges the Government, Opposition and all political parties to support MMV as a strong and independent entity that keeps Victoria’s diverse and multicultural communities at its centre. MMV should take a bottom-up approach, listening directly to communities and giving particular attention to grassroots, new and emerging communities that can often be overlooked or fall through the gaps,” she said.

VMC Chairperson Louise Perry also welcomed the new agency.

“This marks a significant step forward in how the Victorian Government engages with multicultural and multifaith Victorians, recognising the invaluable social, cultural and economic contributions that communities make to our state every day,” Ms perry said. 

Victoria is made up of people with more than 300 ancestries, who speak more than 290 languages and follow more than 200 faiths.

The government says the new agency will ensure diverse communities have an independent voice in government to influence policies and programs.

Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria will support and advise government departments and agencies including health and emergency services.

And it will have strong reporting powers to drive multicultural outcomes across government and help ensure multicultural and multifaith considerations are included in policy.

The agency will be led by a Coordinator General and two deputies appointed through an independent process and will begin operation on October 1.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Paul Edbrooke said the new agency sends a clear message that Victoria’s diversity represented a strength.

“This legislation sends a clear message: multiculturalism is one of Victoria’s greatest strengths. Every Victorian should feel safe, valued and free to express their culture, heritage and faith,” he said.

“Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria marks a new chapter in government’s partnership with these communities, strengthening engagement, accountability and community participation,” Minister Edbrooke said.