How we advocate on behalf of communities
Drawing on community engagement, research, and lived experience, we provide independent advice to government to improve laws, policies, programs and services across Victoria.
To support transparency while protecting confidentiality, this page shares public summaries of our recent policy and advocacy work. Full documents are published only where appropriate.
Policy reports and community research
2025 Regional Advisory Forum (RAF) Report
Date: August 2025
The 2025 Regional Advisory Forum (RAF) report captures community-led priorities from multicultural Victorians across regional and metropolitan areas.
Drawing on extensive engagement with VMC’s Regional Advisory Councils, community leaders and service providers, the report identifies systemic issues and practical reform options across six key themes, including mental health, family violence, housing, racism, youth justice and employment.
The report provides evidence-based recommendations to inform government policy and service reform:
VMC Insights from the 2025 Regional Advisory Forum
(opens in a new window)
Submissions and strategic advice
Submission to Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2026–27
Date: April 2026
The Victorian Multicultural Commission contributed to the Victorian Government’s submission to Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2026–27, informed by VMC’s community consultations.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission contributed to the Victorian Government’s submission to Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2026–27, informed by VMC’s community consultations.
The submission highlights the importance of family reunification, flexible program settings to respond to changing needs, and stronger complementary pathways such as community sponsorship. It also emphasises the role of community-led organisations and coordinated support in delivering sustainable settlement outcomes.
Emergency Relief Centres – Statewide Operating Guidelines (Initial Feedback)
Date: November 2025
VMC provided early policy advice on the inclusion of culturally responsive practices in emergency relief centres, including language access, culturally appropriate food and community liaison roles.
Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) Consultation – CALD Stakeholder Engagement Plan (2026 State Election)
Date: October 2025
VMC contributed advice on inclusive electoral engagement, focusing on language access, community trust and collaboration with multicultural organisations.
Input into the Refresh of Victoria’s End of Life and Palliative Care Framework
Date: October 2025
VMC provided advice on culturally appropriate end of life care, highlighting the role of family, faith and language in service delivery.
Feedback on Multicultural Affairs Reporting Templates 2024–25
Date: October 2025
VMC provided feedback to improve clarity, consistency and accessibility of reporting requirements for government agencies.
Submission to the Victorian Government Language Services Policy Refresh
Date: September 2025
VMC provided formal input into the refresh of Victoria’s Language Services Policy, informed by community feedback and sector experience. The submission highlighted barriers to accessing interpreters and translated information, and emphasised the need for consistent standards, accountability and culturally safe service delivery across government.
Submission to Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) – Better Practice Engagement Guide Review
Date: August 2025
This submission outlined key principles for culturally responsive engagement with multicultural communities. VMC emphasised early engagement, trust building, accessible communications and fair remuneration for community participation.
Advice on the Implications of Victoria’s Machete Ban
Date: July 2025
VMC provided advice on community impacts, emphasising the importance of avoiding unintended racial profiling and maintaining community trust.
Submission to Australia’s Humanitarian Program 2025–26 Discussion Paper
Date: July 2025
VMC provided advice on settlement and integration challenges facing refugees and humanitarian entrants in Victoria, with a focus on service accessibility, family reunion and long-term settlement outcomes.
Submission to Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) – Reforms to Victoria’s Protest Laws
Date: June 2025
VMC raised concerns about the potential disproportionate impacts of proposed protest law reforms on multicultural communities, particularly in relation to over-policing, freedom of expression and trust in institutions.
Submission to Victoria Police – Victim Centric Policing Framework
Date: April 2025
This submission highlighted the importance of culturally safe policing responses for victims from multicultural backgrounds, including improved interpreter use, trauma-informed practice and community trust.
Advice to the Department of Home Affairs on Refugee and Humanitarian Programs
Date: April 2025
VMC shared Victorian community perspectives on settlement support, service coordination and long-term integration.
VicHealth Racism and Health Research Translation Centre Consultation
Date: April 2025
VMC participated in consultations to strengthen the translation of racism related research into policy and practice.
Input into DPC Draft Combatting Islamophobia Guide
Date: April 2025
VMC provided feedback to strengthen cultural responsiveness, community engagement and practical implementation guidance.
Contribution to the Victorian Government’s Report on Multicultural Affairs 2023–24
Date: March 2025
VMC contributed analysis and insights to support whole of government reporting on multicultural outcomes.
Submission on the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024
Date: October 2024
VMC provided high level feedback on the Bill, focusing on protections for multicultural communities and the importance of education-led approaches alongside enforcement.
Roundtables, events and stakeholder engagement
Multicultural Aged Care Roundtable (Hosted by VMC)
Date: September 2025
VMC convened a roundtable with community leaders and service providers to identify systemic issues and opportunities in multicultural aged care.
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