In 2024–25, the Victorian Government committed $60.5 million for programs, initiatives and communications activities that support our multicultural and faith communities. This included $6.3 million for culturally significant infrastructure upgrades and new projects, supporting community spaces across Victoria.
The Victorian Government took important steps to address racism and discrimination in 2024–25 with the launch of Victoria’s Anti‑Racism Strategy 2024–2029. The strategy sets out a five‑year plan to prevent race and faith‑based discrimination, and strengthen outcomes for First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith Victorians.
This commitment was reinforced through targeted investment in community‑led responses to antisemitism and Islamophobia. In the 2023–24 State Budget, $6.0 million was allocated to these initiatives, with $2.0 million invested in 2024–25 to support education, reporting pathways and wellbeing supports.
Victorians were supported to come together and celebrate cultural identity through continued investment in multicultural festivals and events. $3.687 million was allocated to support 393 organisations, along with 85 regional organisations, to deliver festivals and events across the state, strengthening community connection across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
More than $36 million was invested across government in interpreting, translating and language services, helping ensure multicultural Victorians can access information and services in language.
I would like to thank the Victorian Multicultural Commission for their ongoing leadership and advocacy. I also acknowledge the many multicultural and multifaith organisations, community leaders and volunteers whose work strengthens community connection and supports participation across Victoria. Finally, I thank all government departments and staff who have contributed to this report.
Looking ahead, the Victorian Government remains committed to strengthening social cohesion, addressing inequality and working in genuine partnership with multicultural and multifaith communities. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, fairer and more inclusive Victoria where everyone belongs.
Ingrid Stitt MP
Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria
Updated