The Albanese Government is making a symbolic tilt to Bob Hawke one of Australia’s most popular and successful prime ministers, re-establishing an Office for Multicultural Affairs (OMA) within the Department of Home Affairs. In 1986, Hawke established OMA, under the leadership of Dr. Peter Shergold the founding director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA).
Dr Shergold shaped OMA’s focus to define multicultural policy beyond culture and welfare, emphasising the economic benefits of diversity and how government could support them.
While OMA thrived during the Hawke government, it began to decline under Prime Minister Paul Keating and the then Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Nick Bolkus, losing its research role and ministerial support, with key functions absorbed by other departments by the mid-1990s.
Today the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Dr Anne Aly, as sought to revamp the idea of OMA – at least the idea of it, if not with the same power it had in 1986. According to Dr Aly will serve as a “central hub to better coordinate multicultural policies and programs nationwide”.
It signals the 50 year anniversary after Australia introduced its first multiculturalism policy, the country’s diversity has become an integral part of its national character.
Australia’s identity is inherently multicultural, and the government is committed to ensuring that all Australians—regardless of background—have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to contribute to and fully participate in society.
The Office for Multicultural Affairs will unify key functions within the Department of Home Affairs, aligning efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive Australia. It will provide leadership across federal, state, and local governments, fostering a national approach that brings together whole-of-government and whole-of-society interests.
Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said, “Modern Australia and multicultural Australia are the same thing.
“This Office provides a central hub for government work and makes sure every Australian feels welcomed and at home.”
Dr Ann Aly emphasised that the Office’s role goes beyond celebration, focusing on the real value of diversity and cohesion.
“Our success as a modern multicultural nation is underwritten by our mutual respect for individual freedoms and equality of opportunity for Australians in all our diversity.
“The establishment of a federal Office for Multicultural Affairs is a significant step, recognising the importance of not just celebrating multiculturalism but valuing diversity.”
By consolidating multiple programs—such as the Adult Migrant English Program and the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)—into one office, the government aims to modernise community grants and ensure policies and services are accessible and equitable for all Australians.
The Albanese Government has also elevated the role of Minister for Multicultural Affairs to Cabinet position.
The recreation, or reimaging of the OMA the government said, “represents a vital step forward in Australia’s ongoing journey as a modern, multicultural nation—one that values and respects its diverse communities while ensuring fairness and unity for al”.
