Australia’s multicultural story is one of our greatest strengths, but it’s also a tale that’s still being written.
In a move that’s already sparking conversation, the federal government has announced the creation of a new Office for Multicultural Affairs, to be housed within the Department of Home Affairs.
While some are calling it a ‘step in the right direction’, others are asking: is it enough?
Let’s unpack what this new office means, why it matters, and what the future could hold for multicultural communities across the country.
A new office, a new minister, and a new approach
The appointment of Dr Anne Aly as the new Federal Multicultural Minister marks a significant moment.
Dr Aly, who brings both lived experience and academic expertise to the role, will oversee the new Office for Multicultural Affairs.
The office is set to focus on a range of programs, including the Adult Migrant English Program, grants for humanitarian entrants, translation and interpreting services, and broader multicultural policy.
While the full scope of the office’s responsibilities will be confirmed in the coming weeks, it’s expected to be up and running before parliament resumes in late July.
Why now? The push for change
This move comes on the back of last year’s Multicultural Framework Review, which made a bold recommendation: create a standalone Department of Multicultural Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, with its own dedicated minister.
The review highlighted concerns from migrant communities, who often felt more monitored than supported by the Home Affairs department.
Dr Hass Dellal, Chair of the Multicultural Framework Review and the Australian Multicultural Foundation, acknowledges that the new office doesn’t go as far as the review suggested.
‘It’s not the full recommendation of a dedicated department that included immigration and citizenship as well, but however, this is a step in the right direction. The fact that we have an office now that’s being established that sits within the cabinet that will have the ear of the Prime Minister and cabinet itself. And I think that’s an important feature that wasn’t there before.’
Balancing security and support
One of the thorniest issues is the perception that multicultural communities are being ‘securitised’—treated as potential risks rather than valued contributors.
This concern has only grown as the Home Affairs department has expanded to include more law enforcement and security agencies, such as the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
Dr Dellal stresses the importance of keeping the new office’s work separate from these security operations.
‘We need an inclusive and celebratory approach, not one that makes people feel marginalised or monitored,’ he says.
Dr Aly echoes these concerns, noting that she’s heard them for years, both as a researcher and now as a minister.
‘That’s why we’ve established this office—to carve out Multicultural Affairs and give it a spotlight within the department and government,’ she explains.
Beyond social cohesion: Valuing diversity
For too long, Dr Aly argues, multiculturalism has been seen through the narrow lens of citizenship and immigration.
She wants to broaden the conversation: ‘I want to make multiculturalism about all Australians. I want it to be more than celebrating diversity—I want it to be about valuing diversity in all its forms.’
This is a subtle but important shift. It’s not just about helping new arrivals settle in; it’s about recognising the ongoing contributions of all Australians, no matter their background.
Social cohesion: Whose responsibility is it?
In recent years, the government’s multicultural programs have focused heavily on social cohesion, especially in the wake of global conflicts like the Israel/Hamas war.
More than $30 million in grants have been awarded to support community initiatives aimed at keeping the social fabric strong.
But Dr Aly is clear: ‘Multiculturalism isn’t solely about social cohesion and multicultural communities aren’t solely responsible for social cohesion. Social Cohesion is about everybody. Making multicultural communities solely and wholly responsible for social cohesion, I think, has added to that perception of multicultural communities being over securitised, being responsible for things like social cohesion.’
She warns that making multicultural communities solely responsible for social harmony can reinforce the perception that they’re being unfairly scrutinised.
Your voice matters
As the government’s new Office for Multicultural Affairs prepares to take shape, many are watching to see whether this step will lead to meaningful outcomes for Australia’s diverse communities.
While some view it as a positive move, others believe more could be done to address long-standing concerns around support, inclusion and representation.
What do you think about the establishment of this new office? Do you feel it will help strengthen multicultural engagement, or is further action still needed? Should multiculturalism be viewed as a shared national value, rather than the responsibility of specific communities? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Why Australia is becoming the go-to destination for migrants from this nation
