Premier Jacinta Allan hosted a multicultural media conference on Monday, May 26 at Treasury Place, Melbourne, to outline how the 2025–26 Victorian Budget will support culturally and linguistically diverse communities across the state.
The event brought together a small group of multicultural media representatives for a direct briefing with the Premier.
Allan opened her address by announcing an immediate ban on the sale of machetes under Victorian Consumer Law, following recent public safety incidents and ahead of a broader legislative ban beginning in September. She framed the announcement as part of a broader commitment to community safety, alongside new bail laws, increased police support, and stronger protections for frontline retail and security workers.
The core focus of the briefing, however, was the Victorian Budget, which the Premier said targets “what matters most” — cost-of-living relief, frontline services, and support for multicultural communities.
$100 million for multicultural communities:
The Premier confirmed over $100 million in targeted investment for multicultural programs and infrastructure. These include:
- $5.6 million to build and upgrade multicultural community facilities
- $2 million to support multicultural seniors
- $1.3 million to complete the Vietnamese Museum
- Continued funding for the Victorian School of Languages, including support for programs in Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin, and Greek
She noted these measures were shaped by ongoing consultations with multicultural organisations, young people, seniors, and migrant workers across the state.
“My vision for a multicultural Victoria is this — a place full of different cultures and languages that is united by what we have in common: our values and our families… with laws that crack down on those who want to spread racism and violence,” she said.
Budget concerns and the George Lekakis review:
The Premier also addressed questions from journalists regarding a 25% decrease in the multicultural policies budget compared to previous years, with funding falling below $50 million for the first time. She explained that this shift reflects the completion of commitments made in the 2022 election cycle and noted that broader cost-of-living and health investments would benefit all Victorians, including multicultural communities.
She also cited the ongoing review led by George Lekakis AO, former Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, as key to shaping future policy. The review, commissioned by the State Government, is examining how multicultural funding, infrastructure, and engagement strategies can better serve communities going forward.
As reported by The Greek Herald, the review is being closely followed by multicultural stakeholders and is expected to inform long-term investment, including future support for ethnic media and community-led initiatives.
“The work George Lekakis is doing will help build the new roadmap for our multicultural communities… I look forward, as we head into another election cycle, to continuing those conversations on the issues and projects that are important,” Premier Allan said.
Broader Budget commitments:
The Premier outlined a suite of broader Budget measures, including:
- Free public transport for children and free weekend travel for seniors
- A $100 power saving bonus for eligible families
- Free treatment for 22 common conditions at pharmacies
- Doubling of food relief funding
- Tripling the capacity of Victoria’s Virtual Emergency Department to 1,800 patients a day
- $1.5 billion for school upgrades and a new statewide Year 1 maths assessment program
- New maths camps for Year 9 and 10 high achievers
These initiatives are part of a Budget that is projected to return Victoria to a modest operating surplus — the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic — with business investment growth and housing starts continuing to lead the nation.
Strengthening social cohesion:
Media representatives also questioned the Premier on rising vandalism at Hindu and Sikh temples, security for frontline workers, and the protection of cultural heritage. Allan reiterated the importance of Victoria’s new anti-vilification laws and confirmed the government is working with Victoria Police to improve direct support when such incidents occur.
She also emphasised the value of language education, stating that maintaining heritage languages across generations is essential to cultural continuity.
“Even though young kids today might be third or fourth generation, being able to hold on to language is also holding on to culture,” she said.
The Premier closed by reaffirming that Victoria’s cultural diversity is central to its identity — and that building an inclusive, safe, and equitable state remains a top priority.
