Thursday, 30 July 2026

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Government Services, Special Minister of State, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria) (14:40): Earlier this month I had the pleasure to visit the Kali Mata Mandir in Craigieburn and the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East in Coolaroo. I was joined by many local MPs, strong advocates for their communities in the north, and there I announced the successful recipients of the Labor government’s 2025–26 multicultural infrastructure and security program. Fifty-seven organisations will share in close to $6 million of funding to upgrade, maintain and secure their communal gathering spaces. This program ensures all Victorians have safe, accessible and culturally appropriate spaces to gather, celebrate their heritage and practise their faith.

This Labor government is proud to support community organisations through this program, which recognises that community spaces are at the heart of cultural celebration, connection and social inclusion. Equally important to highlight is for these spaces to remain safe, secure and welcoming places for everyone. Every member of our Victorian community deserves respect and to feel that they belong. For our multicultural and multifaith communities, that sense of belonging is particularly important. At a time when our diversity is under attack, our government is reaffirming our commitment to multiculturalism and multifaith communities. We know the harm a One Nation–‍Liberal coalition will cause. They have gone after multicultural communities before, and we know that they will do it again. Labor will always help ensure all Victorians can participate safely in community life, free from racism, vilification and discrimination, and I want to thank our multicultural communities and multifaith communities for the key role that they play in making Victoria a vibrant and inclusive state. It is through their collective efforts that we will continue to build a strong and united Victoria.