Introduction

According to the most recent census, Victorians come from more than 300 ancestries, speak 290 languages and dialects, and follow more than 200 faiths.

This report is a snapshot of the Victorian Government's commitment to support multicultural and faith communities and to progress multiculturalism across the state.

Legal and policy frameworks underpinning this report

This report fulfils the Victorian Government’s requirement of the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 (Vic).

The Act requires government departments to report annually to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and to the Victorian Parliament. They must report on programs and initiatives that support Victoria’s multicultural community.

Table 1 lists legislative and policy documents that guide the government’s mission to build an inclusive, engaged and cohesive Victoria.

Table 1: Victoria's multicultural frameworks

Type	Description
Acts of Parliament	The Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 provides the framework for a whole-of-government approach to multiculturalism in Victoria. It establishes the Victorian Multicultural Commission as a statutory authority. It also sets out reporting requirements for departments and ministers. It requires Victorian government departments to develop and implement cultural diversity plans. The Equal Opportunity Act 2010 requires all Victorian departments and service providers to take reasonable and proportionate measures to identify and eliminate discrimination. The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 sets out the basic rights of Victorians to live with freedom, respect, equality and dignity. It also requires public authorities to act in accordance with the Charter. The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 prohibits behaviours that incite or encourage hatred, serious contempt, revulsion or severe ridicule against another person or group of people because of their race or religion.
Victorian Government Multicultural Statement	A publicly available policy statement that sets out the Victorian Government’s vision and commitment to multiculturalism in Victoria.
Departmental cultural diversity plans	Plans created by government departments to facilitate diversity and multiculturalism both internally and when delivering services and programs to the Victorian community.
Individual departmental policies, plans and strategies	Departments undertake ongoing reviews of policies, strategies and planning frameworks. These reviews respond to the changing needs of culturally diverse communities and reflect the government’s commitment to multiculturalism.

Working to achieve positive outcomes

The Multicultural Affairs outcomes framework² sets out the Victorian Government’s approach to multiculturalism.

The framework groups programs and initiatives according to 5 goals (Table 2).

Table 2: Goals of the whole of government multicultural affairs outcomes framework

Goal	Desired outcomes for Victorians
Victorians are safe and secure	Victorians live free from abuse, violence and fear. Victorians have suitable and stable housing.
Victorians are healthy and well	Victorians have good physical and mental health. Victorians have equitable access to health and human services.
Victorians are able to participate fully	Victorians participate in learning and education. Victorians participate in and contribute to the economy. Victorians have financial security. Victorians understand, are empowered by and exercise their rights. Victorians have access to an environment that promotes liveability, sustainability and inclusion.
Victorians are connected to culture and community	Victorians are socially engaged and live in inclusive communities. Victorians can safely identify with and connect with their culture and identity.
Victorians have equal rights and opportunities	Victorians live free from discrimination. Opportunities to participate in the workforce are available to all Victorians.

This report does not capture the full range of activities Victorian government departments and portfolio agencies have undertaken. Instead, it provides a snapshot of activities and achievements supporting multicultural and multifaith communities between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024 across the Victorian Government. It includes case studies to highlight the positive impact of initiatives on local communities.

Terminology, abbreviations and frequently used terms

Language statement

Language is important and can change over time. Words can have different meanings for different people.

We recognise the diversity of First Peoples, communities and culture throughout Victoria. While the terms ‘Koorie’ or ‘Koori’ are commonly used to describe First Peoples of southeast Australia, we use the terms ‘First Peoples’ and ‘Aboriginal’ to include all people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who live in Victoria.

The term ‘multicultural community’ refers to the vast number of diverse cultural and ethnic groups in Victoria.

The term ‘multifaith community’ refers to the diverse faith groups in Victoria.

The words ‘our’ and ‘we’ in this document refer to the Victorian Government.

The phrase ‘racism and discrimination’ in this document includes all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, cultural background, country of origin and faith.

List of government departments

Abbreviation	Department
DE	Department of Education
DEECA	Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
DFFH	Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
DGS	Department of Government Services
DH	Department of Health
DJCS	Department of Justice and Community Safety
DJSIR	Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
DPC	Department of Premier and Cabinet
DTP	Department of Transport and Planning
DTF	Department of Treasury and Finance

Updated 19 June 2025