The Victorian government has announced the commencement of the Victorian Multicultural Review, led by George Lekakis AO.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt today confirmed that Hass Dellal AO, Carmel Guerra AO, Miriam Suss OAM, and Mark Duckworth PSM will form a Targeted Advisory Group to support Mr Lekakis in his review of Victoria’s multicultural policies and institutions.
Lekakis, a former chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, is a veteran in multicultural affairs and one of the architects of the Multicultural Act, which enshrines multiculturalism in legislation. He has been appointed to lead the review following recent antisemitic attacks and the rise of Islamophobia.
The reference group collectively represents over 40 years of experience in multicultural policy and programmes, spanning settlement and employment, arts and culture, ethnic media, and language maintenance.
Stitt described Lekakis as an “eminently qualified and respected Victorian.” She added that the review will “guide the next steps needed to strengthen Victoria’s multiculturalism and help stop division.”
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Lekakis said he would reflect on the landmark 1978 Review of Post-Arrival Programmes and Services for Migrants report, also known as the Galbally Report, after its chair, Frank Galbally.
“The Galbally Report laid the foundations for migrant and refugee participation in public life in Australia. It established the necessary structures to support their full and productive integration into society,” Lekakis told Neos Kosmos.
Asked how he would address the recent rise in antisemitism, disruptions and protests by anti-Israel activists, and the rise of Islamophobia, Lekakis said he would engage directly with communities.
“I have always engaged directly with the community, and I will continue to do so in developing new policy responses.
“These policies will be shaped by the voices of communities, articulating the best ways to achieve a harmonious and prosperous multicultural society,” he said.
Lekakis emphasised that the process he will lead aims to “ensure the broadest participation.”
“I will use mechanisms such as ethnic media, public meetings, and an open process for multilingual submissions,” he said.
However, he stressed that he has no intention of pre-determining the review’s outcomes.
“I will never determine outcomes without consulting directly with communities and their organisations—across welfare, education, media, cultural and faith organisations.”
The review will provide recommendations on how the government can ensure Victoria’s systems, organisations, and policies are equipped to resolve conflicts, build bridges, and celebrate the strength of the state’s multicultural and multifaith communities.
Lekakis highlighted Victoria as a state that “has enshrined multiculturalism in legislation through the Multicultural Act.”
“The Act is designed to ensure that communities have a voice in shaping policies that foster a multicultural society for the benefit of all within a liberal democracy.”
To ensure the broadest possible input from communities, Lekakis stated, “There will be public meetings held across Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, and the submission process will be made as accessible as possible, allowing people to contribute in their preferred language or in English.”
Asked whether this review presents an opportunity to reframe multiculturalism by revisiting its original aims as set out in the Galbally Report and reinforced by successive Labor and LNP governments in Victoria, Lekakis praised the reference group’s historic expertise.
“I am honoured to work alongside a reference group that includes some of the most experienced and esteemed figures in this field.
“Among them is Dr Hass Dellal OAM, who led the federal government’s multicultural policy review and brings a deep understanding of the issues at hand.”
He affirmed that he and the reference group are united in working towards a socially cohesive and harmonious Victoria.
“Together, we are committed to building a socially and culturally cohesive society for the social, cultural, and economic benefit of all Victorians.”
Lekakis stated that he will reach out to stakeholders, peak bodies, ethnic community leaders, ethnic media owners, and faith and multifaith organisations to reframe and revitalise “a model policy in a model multicultural state.”
“All citizens need to feel safe and secure in Victoria. Regardless of language, faith, or culture, all Victorians should be able to live in a harmonious and prosperous society.”
