The Premier of Victoria, John Brumby, launched a report on the perceptions of multiculturalism and security in Victoria, which confirmed that Victorians continue to support and value the state’s rich diversity.

Mr Brumby said the Perceptions of Multiculturalism and Security in Victoria report reaffirmed that Victorians stood by multiculturalism and its positive impact on the Victorian way of life.
“Our Government is taking action to strengthen and promote multiculturalism in our state because we want to continue proudly recognising the vital contribution of our diverse communities,” Mr Brumby said.

“This confirms that we live in a society that embraces diversity as a source of cultural enrichment, a society that finds strength in our individual differences.

The Perceptions of Multiculturalism and Security in Victoria report underlines the value that Australians place on cultural and religious diversity, and highlights the importance of various initiatives and education programs which encourage interaction between disparate communities.

Mr Brumby said Victoria’s diversity was one of the State’s greatest strengths and said the Victorian Government would continue to deliver services for all Victorians.
“I’m proud to say that many of the findings in this Report reinforce the importance of various programs and initiatives that are already supported by and being delivered by the Victorian Government,” he said.

“As a community and as a government, we have long pledged our support for all forms of diversity, whether cultural or religious, ethnic or linguistic.

“It is essential that we continue programs that bring Victorians together to celebrate diversity and stand united as we reject all forms of racial or religious vilification in our state.”

The Perceptions of Multiculturalism and Security in Victoria Report was prepared by Pete Lentini, Anna Halafoff and Ela Ogru from the Global Terrorism Research Centre, Monash University, for the the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Victoria.
Perceptions of Multiculturalism and Security in Victoria: Report is available at www.arts.monash.edu.au/psi/perceptions-report.pdf