Evan Mulholland, Liberal Member for Northern Metropolitan Region, has welcomed the announcement by Brad Battin, Leader of the Opposition, that he will serve as Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
“I am a proud grandson of migrants. In the first moments of my first speech to Parliament I told the story of my late nonna and nonno, Teresa and Domenico Caruso, who came to Australia in the 1950s with nothing but a suitcase. I am a beneficiary of Australia’s great migrant story,” Mr Mulholland said.
“My electorate of northern metropolitan is home to so many families who have come from all over the world and chosen the northern suburbs of Melbourne to live, work and raise a family.
“I know firsthand from my own family the experience of coming to Australia and have seen how our multicultural and multi-faith communities here in Victoria strengthen our state and make a meaningful contribution.”
Mr Mulholland added, “The Liberals and Nationals understand that by encouraging and supporting multicultural communities, these Victorians can better contribute to a richer and more tolerant society.”
“I’ve been listening to multicultural and multi-faith communities and understand that big priorities for them are tackling the cost-of-living crisis and ensuring that freedom of religion and freedom of worship are respected,” he said.
“I am looking forward to getting to work in this role and meeting with as many community members as possible to hear how the Liberal Party can work with you.”
Mr Mulholland recently forced the Allan Labor Government to abandon its election commitment to abolish the Lord’s Prayer from Parliamentary proceedings, after a petition he initiated gained 11,000 signatures and sparked a stunning backdown from the government as a result of the backlash from faith communities.
In addition to this appointment, Mr Mulholland has also been appointed as Shadow Minister for Major Projects and Shadow Minister for Arts and Creative Industries, as well as retaining his position as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council.
“As a member of Brad Battin’s leadership team, I will be a strong voice at the table for the hopes and aspirations of Victoria’s multicultural and multi-faith communities,” Mr Mulholland said.
