04 August 2025
Media Release
Multicultural Council of Tasmania
The Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCoT) calls on the incoming Tasmanian State Government to establish a dedicated Ministerial portfolio, Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
All other States have a dedicated Minister for Multicultural Affairs or Multiculturalism portfolio, and it is now time for an incoming Tasmanian Government to get on board and recognise the importance that multiculturalism provides to Tasmanian society and the economy by creating the new Ministerial portfolio.
Over fifteen per cent of Tasmanians are now born overseas which means that around one in six Tasmanians come from overseas heritage. The previous Tasmanian Liberal Government had eleven ministers and over thirty portfolios so surely in a state where one in six people are born overseas a dedicated Ministerial portfolio of Minister for Multicultural Affairs is not only needed but also justified.
The previous Government promised an investment of $2 million in the first two years of the Multicultural Action Plan to ensure all Tasmanians feel connected and safe without fear of racism, can fully participate in all areas of life and, importantly, are confident they belong in our Island state. The plan is a great initiative with over twenty important actions to be implemented, and it is essential that there is a new dedicated Minister for Multicultural Affairs to oversee this important work which is yet to commence.
Following the recent federal election, the Australian Government announced the establishment of a dedicated Office for Multicultural Affairs within the Department of Home Affairs to better support Australia’s diverse communities and strengthen multicultural cohesion across the nation.
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs portfolio, now held by the Hon. Dr Anne Aly has now been elevated to Cabinet, representing a strong commitment to multicultural communities and their vital contribution to Australian society.
“Tasmania’s cultural diversity is one of our biggest strengths and brings many social and economic benefits to this great State, making it stronger and more dynamic.”
“We call on the incoming State Government to acknowledge and recognise the need to embed multiculturalism at the forefront of Government policy development and decision making and demonstrate a strong commitment to multicultural communities by establishing the portfolio of Minister for Multicultural Affairs within the Tasmanian Cabinet.”
“The Multicultural Council of Tasmania looks forward to collaborating with the new Government and the new Minister for Multicultural Affairs to ensure government policies and services are accessible and equitable and lead to improved outcomes for all Tasmanians enabling them to fully participate in the Tasmanian community”
Mr Finch said.
CEO – Andrew Finch | ceo@mcot.org.au | www.mcot.org.au | 65 Hopkins Street Moonah TAS 7009 | 03 6170 919