Sector welcomes establishment of federal multicultural office

Posted on 05 Jun 2025

By Greg Thom, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia

Migrant and refugee advocates have welcomed the Albanese government's decision to establish an Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Housed within the Department of Home Affairs, the Office will be overseen by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly, whose portfolio has for the first time been elevated to Cabinet.

The Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) and Settlement Services International (SSI) praised the government initiative to underline the importance of multiculturalism in Australia.

SCOA chair Melissa Monterio said successful settlement went beyond meeting basic needs and was deeply connected to a sense of belonging, equitable access to opportunities and services, and active participation in civic life.

She said without these elements, new migrants and refugees may struggle to feel truly at home or integrated into the broader Australian community.

“We commend the government for recognising the importance of establishing a dedicated Office for Multicultural Affairs,” said Monterio.

“This is a welcome initiative towards shared responsibility in promoting social cohesion through meaningful collaboration with multicultural communities.”

SCOA chief executive Maria Dimopoulos said the decision to establish an Office of Multicultural Affairs represented important progress.

“This is a powerful step forward, recognising not only the importance of celebrating multiculturalism but valuing it as foundational to the fabric of modern Australia.”

"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.”

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly.

Refugee resettlement and multicultural services provider SSI said the establishment of an Office of Multicultural Affairs sent a strong signal that the Albanese government was committed to strengthening support for a multicultural Australia. 

SSI general manager newcomers, settlement and integration Yamamah Agha said Australia is now more diverse – ethnically, linguistically, culturally – than ever before.

According to the 2021 Census, just under half Australia’s population are migrants or have a parent born overseas. One in four households speak a language other than English in the home. 

Agha said a federal Office of Multicultural Affairs overseen by a cabinet Minister was a logical step to address this demographic reality and the specialised responses needed to meet future challenges. 

The multicultural and community sector had called for a dedicated office in a joint submission to the Labor government’s Multicultural Framework Review signed by more than 80 organisations, including SSI. 

Agha said the Office would help ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to multicultural policy and programs, while driving cross-portfolio change and leading the development of a unified commitment with state and territory governments. 

“The Multicultural Framework Review report offers an excellent opportunity to reset and advance a stronger multicultural Australia,” she said.

“There is a real window of opportunity to drive systems reform by implementing all 29 recommendations (of the review) and SSI looks forward to working with the federal government, Minister Aly, our communities and peers to implement the Review’s progressive vision.”

Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Dr Anne Aly.

Agha said it was vital that governments ensure the financial viability of specialised multicultural non-government organisations, which are an essential element of the social infrastructure needed to build a more inclusive multicultural Australia.

In a statement announcing the decision, the federal government said the new Office would drive a national approach to a multicultural Australia, providing leadership across the three tiers of government.

The government said bringing multiple functions together under one roof would ensure policies, programs and services were accessible and equitable for everyone.

The Office would also take carriage of Australia's settlement and language services including the Adult Migrant English Program and Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National).

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly said multiculturalism was not just about or for a particular section of Australian society.

"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,” she said.

“The establishment of a federal Office for Multicultural Affairs is a significant step, recognising the importance of not just celebrating multiculturalism but valuing diversity."