Victoria’s multicultural future is under scrutiny, with the Liberal–National Opposition accusing the Allan Labor Government of years of neglect, even as Labor presses ahead with a sweeping reset of multicultural governance.
Evan Mulholland MP, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, said in a statemnet posted on Facebook a review led by George Lekakis AO highlighted chronic underfunding of long-standing programs, leaving vulnerable communities exposed.
Funding for the Multicultural Seniors Support program, Festivals and Events program, and the Community Infrastructure program has either stagnated or declined for more than a decade.
According to the Liberals, the maximum grant for community infrastructure has plummeted from $1 million to $400,000, while support for festivals has dropped from $100,000 to $50,000—despite rising costs.
“This neglect has caused unnecessary anxiety for vulnerable seniors who rely on these programs for social connection and support,” the Shadow Minister said.
“It is a clear sign of Labor’s disregard for multicultural Victorians and their contribution to our society.”
The Opposition also accused Labor of sidelining faith-based communities, pointing to its attempt to abolish the Lord’s Prayer in Parliament without consultation. It noted that the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), originally established as an independent body by the Coalition, lost its independence when brought into the Department of Premier and Cabinet in 2015.
“By now agreeing to create a statutory body called Multicultural Victoria, Labor has admitted it was wrong to weaken the VMC in the first place,” the Liberals said.
“Worryingly, the government is also moving to dismantle the VMC’s Regional Advisory Councils, which risks silencing smaller communities.”
The statement warned that Labor’s approach was becoming increasingly bureaucratic, undermining the ability of multicultural communities to have their voices heard. The Opposition pledged that, unlike Labor, it would engage in “proper consultation” before pursuing any legislative change.
Earlier, Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt have unveiled the Victorian Multicultural Review, which charts a path for stronger social cohesion, more responsive policy-making, and greater empowerment of Victoria’s diverse communities.
Led by George Lekakis AO alongside an expert advisory group, the review drew on feedback from more than 640 Victorians across 57 consultation sessions, plus over 150 peak bodies and community organisations.
With the theme “A Multicultural Victoria Is a United Victoria”, it calls for reforms to strengthen trust and counter division. Premier Allan said,
“We are one Victoria and we’ll never be divided. Multiculturalism isn’t the problem—it is the solution.”
Minister Stitt added,
“Multicultural Victoria will strengthen leadership of the sector and reset the agenda after such a challenging five years. Our new capacity grants will make organisations stronger so they can be a part of the change.”
As per Allan governmnet the reforms mark one of the most significant overhauls of multicultural governance in Victoria, but with the Opposition sharpening its attacks, the future direction of the state’s multicultural policies is set to remain a contested political battleground.
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