Wednesday, 1 April 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence) (12:10): Yesterday Minister Thomas and I launched the Victorian multicultural health survey, an important initiative to make sure that the health system works for every Victorian. Victoria is proudly multicultural, but unfortunately we know that people from diverse backgrounds can still face barriers to health care. We know that language, culture and distance can all limit access and lead to poorer health outcomes, and that has got to change. This survey is about action. It places the voices of Victoria’s multicultural communities at the heart of our health, mental health and alcohol and other drug services, ensuring they guide meaningful, lasting reform. At the launch Yue Hu, who is an executive lead of transcultural and language services at Northern Health, made it clear that quality care is not just about words, it is about creating culturally responsive systems that understand and reflect the communities they serve. Bringing a regional perspective, registered nurse Arun Thomas from Horsham shared how distance can deepen disadvantage but also how digital innovation can bridge gaps, giving a platform to voices that might otherwise go unheard.

This work builds on the multicultural review led by George Lekakis AO and underpins our commitment to the whole-of-government multicultural strategy. We invite all Victorians from multicultural communities to take part. Your voice will shape what comes next. The survey is available on the Engage Victoria website, and it closes on 31 May. This is about real, practical change so that no matter what your language, culture or postcode, Victoria’s health system works for you.