Friday, 14 November 2025

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:02): (1125) My question is to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Minister, the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s annual report 2024–25 included a map of India which omitted or misrepresented key Indian regions such as Punjab, Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Sikkim, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. As you would be aware, this has caused great concern and offence within our Indian diaspora in Victoria. Minister, did you proof this report before it was published? And will the minister apologise to Victoria’s significant and vibrant Indian community for this offensive oversight?

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:02): I thank Mr Mulholland for his question. It is good to change into portfolio responsibilities. I am obviously aware of the concerns of our proud Indian community, and I understand that people have been quite distressed by this issue. I know that the VMC takes it very seriously. They have taken immediate steps to rectify this issue by removing the graphics and reaffirming their commitment to accurate and respectful representations of all communities. This was a genuine error. I have spoken with the chair of the VMC. She issued an apology very promptly upon becoming aware of the error, which was absolutely the right course of action.

 Evan MULHOLLAND (Northern Metropolitan) (12:03): The question was if the minister proofed it, but I did not get an answer. I will go to a supplementary, though. Minister, as you know, the VMC sits within the Department of Premier and Cabinet, a decision of this Labor government that it is now trying to unpick. Given that, the annual report surely would have had to have some oversight from the minister or the Premier’s office or department. Many in my community are calling for a formal apology by the Premier. Will the government – you, Minister, or the Premier – issue a joint apology to our Indian community for this offensive error?

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:04): I think that it is disappointing really that you are seeking to kind of conflate issues here, because it is a genuine error which the VMC chair has issued a written statement and apologised to the community for. Of course I have read the annual report, which I have signed off and tabled. I did not personally pick up the error in the graphics myself. But I have had a good conversation with the VMC chair, who was very appreciative of the opportunity to clarify their position in relation to these matters. In terms of the annual report, I am seeking some advice from my department about whether we can rectify the version that was tabled. Hopefully, they will give me some advice promptly about whether or not we can re-table the annual report with those graphics removed.