Victoria’s Multicultural Minister Nicholas Kotsiras introduced members of Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) to the media last week, and officially launched the Multicultural Media Internships Program – a new scheme aimed at helping ethnic media organisations nurture emerging journalists in Victoria. Five media organisations will be eligible for a grant of $5,000 to support an intern in 2012.

The grants are a part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $2 million Promoting Community Harmony Program targeted at developing the capacity of multicultural networks to promote intercultural dialogue.

“This initiative highlights our commitment to investing in future media leaders,” said Mr Kotsiras. “We aim to promote voices representative of Victoria’s diversity and support organisations that play a crucial role in delivering media services to our multicultural communities.” The minister added that the Victorian Government would be seeking to ensure that five per cent of departmental advertising budgets is spent in the multicultural media.

At the event, hosted by the Minister at the headquarters of the VMC, journalists had an opportunity to meet with VMC Commissioner Mr Chin Tan and other recent appointees to the Commission. The VMC provides independent advice to the Victorian Government to inform the development of legislative and policy frameworks, as well as the delivery of services to culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities.

The Commission was revamped earlier this year as part of the Baillieu government’s reforms set out in the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011. On Monday, Mr Tan, who described the VMC as “a vital link between the government and Victoria’s multicultural community,” reflected on the Commission’s reformed regional focus, pointing to the fact that the first VMC meeting had taken place in Broadmeadows.

Mr Tan also said that while commissioners represent a diverse range of communities, including Chinese, Greek, Italian, African, and Jewish, all had been selected on merit rather than ethnicity. In a wide-ranging discussion of how the VMC and the government could respond to concerns of Victoria’s culturally diverse communities, specific issues came to the fore during last Monday’s meeting, including violence against foreign students and domestic violence.

Perceived racism against Victorians of African descent and the difficulties they faced in finding employment, including instances of non-recognition of qualifications, was also discussed. In relation to the African community’s concerns, Mr Kotsiras said, “the Government is aware of [those] concerns in relation to securing employment including the obstacles surrounding the recognition of overseas qualifications. The government takes very seriously allegations of discrimination and vilification against any Victorian and we will ensure those responsible are held to account according to the law.”

Details on the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Media Internships Program can be found at www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/grants or by calling (03) 9651 1101. Applications close on 30 December 2011.