Victorian Liberals and Nationals hold multicultural leaders forum at Parliament

·

Multicultural leaders attended a political forum in the impressive Legislative Council Chamber at Victoria’s Parliament on Wednesday, June 7.

The Victorian Liberal Leader and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, John Pesutto MP, invited these representatives of different local ethnic communities to the forum to engage with and discuss a number of issues they face today.

Nationals Leader Peter Walsh alongside the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Georgie Crozier were also present, as were the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Trung Luu and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, David Southwick.

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Trung Luu

In the room there were also representatives of different multicultural communities from the Somalian to the Lebanese, Chinese and the Greek community.

Mr Pesutto welcomed everyone on the day and said: “This is a very important opportunity to engage with you and we want this to be the first of a series of ongoing dialogues with you as a group.”

The Victorian Liberal leader talked about the importance of real, genuine consultation with community leaders to make sure that policies are meeting the demands and challenges those communities face.

The first topic discussed was the importance of education among immigrants, a value which is increasingly out of reach for many, and in particular for children. It was mentioned that: “kindergarten education should be free because it hits hard on the migrant population.”

From skilled migrants to visa issues, the current housing crisis, and the need for more multicultural candidate representation in politics – many topics were discussed.

In the end, the representatives in attendance thanked the Liberals and Nationals for the opportunity to speak about important issues facing Victoria’s multicultural communities today.

The need for better resources and more funds to go towards multicultural communities was also stressed in order to try to affect long term change in very important social issues such as mental health or family violence.

“We see that a lot of funding comes from the state or the federal areas or departments and governments, but it doesn’t filter down to the grassroots. Most of our organisations actually work at the grassroots level,” a multicultural leader said.

Finally, some also mentioned the need for increased representation of the multicultural community particularly in frontline services, whether that was policing, health or even teaching.

In the end, the representatives in attendance thanked the Liberals and Nationals for the opportunity to speak about important issues facing Victoria’s multicultural communities today.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Ceasefire brings relief, but travel disruptions continue for some Greek Australians

Greek Australians flying to Europe via the Middle East continue to experience significant delays, rerouted connections and unexpected costs.

Europe scrambles to address fate of homeless refugees after Greek camp fire

13,000 migrants headed to the Mytilene port as the Moria camp, Greece's largest migrant camp, burned to ash behind them.

Victorian coroner, Paresa Spanos, calls for ‘urgent’ public drug testing after deaths of five men

Victorian coroner, Paresa Spanos, has recommended the state government urgently introduce drug testing for the first time.