Everyone is eagerly awaiting the Victorian government’s launch of the Multicultural Review, led by George Lekakis – a former chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC). Neos Kosmos understands that the Premier and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs will release the review’s findings and recommendations in mid to late September.
An advisory group including Hass Dellal AO, Carmel Guerra AO, Miriam Suss OAM, and Mark Duckworth PSM was established to support Lekakis in conducting the review.
A Victorian government spokesperson told Neos Kosmos that, “The Labor Government has received George Lekakis AO’s report following extensive consultation with community groups and is considering its recommendations.”
Lekakis, a veteran in multicultural affairs and one of the architects of the Multicultural Act, was appointed to lead the review following last year’s antisemitic attacks and the rise of Islamophobia. 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 reflected on the landmark 1978 Review of Post-Arrival Programmes and Services for Migrants, known as the Galbally Report. “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,” he said.
Lekakis, told Neos Kosmos when the review was launched, “The recommendations of the Multicultural Review are shaped by the voices of communities, articulating the best ways to achieve a harmonious and prosperous multicultural society.”
The review was extensive, involving media, public meetings, multilingual submissions, and consultations with stakeholders across welfare, education, media, cultural and faith organisations. Its recommendations, Neos Kosmos understands, all focus on ensuring that 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.
Given the challenges posed by overseas conflicts and the activities of local extremist groups, Lekakis and his advisory group are determined to ensure multiculturalism remains resilient and supported.
“I want to ensure that there is no room for racial, cultural and faith vilification in Victoria, and that everyone, regardless of language, faith and culture feels safe, secure and has a voice in this state.”
Neos Kosmos believes, based on various discussions over the last few months, that multicultural media, cultural festivals and events, multicultural and ethno specific museums, as well as heritage and arts organisations have a role to play in the recommendations.
The Victorian government spokesperson echoed this sentiment and said, “There is no room for hate or division in Victoria – including antisemitism which has no place in a proudly multicultural state.”
