The Victorian Government has committed to restarting the state’s Interfaith Dialogue as part of a package of initiatives to strengthen multiculturalism.

The Interfaith Dialogue has stalled in recent times as a result of community tensions over the conflict in Gaza.

Speaking at the first of a series of forums for multicultural community leaders, Premier Jacinta Allen announced the plan as well as explaining the rationale behind a recently announced Multicultural Review.

“Its important we restart the Interfaith Dialogue. We have seen recently that our social cohesion has come under pressure, and we need to address that,” Premier Allen said.

She said the Multicultural Review, led by former Victorian Multicultural Commission chair George Lekakis, would look at what the government could do to support multicultural and multifaith communities.

“As Victoria become more and more diverse, we need to make sure our processes and policies are reaching as many people as needed,” the Premier said.

“We want multicultural communities and people from all walks of life to be part of the conversation and to have a seat at the table. We want them to be listened to and heard.

“We want multicultural communities to be part of the solution to this issue around cohesion,” she said.

Premier Allen said multiculturalism was one of Victoria’s greatest assets.

“We now have 290 languages and dialects in the stater which make Victoria a special place,” she said.

“That’s why we have given George Lekakis the important work of reviewing our institutions, policies and procedures across the community. And community voices are a strong focus of the review,” Premier Allen told the forum, hosted by the VMC.

She also outlined her government’s response to tackle racial vilification.

“Hate speech has been made a serious crime as part of our anti-racism strategy.

“Our message is that we are a harmonious community,” Premier Allen said.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt told the forum that the Multicultural Review was a sign of the government’s commitment to diversity.

“Its important diverse communities are not just celebrated by heard; and we need to make sure that respect is at the heart of the review,” Minister Stitt said.

“The review recommendations will make sure our policies are fit for purpose and are grounded in respect for people no matter their backgrounds,” she said.