Victoria boosts multicultural health advisory committee
The Victorian Government has strengthened and expanded its Multicultural Health Advisory Committee in a move aimed at improving access to health care and promoting equity for culturally diverse communities across the state.
The expanded committee brings together health sector experts and community leaders from multicultural backgrounds to help shape policy priorities and strengthen engagement between Victoria’s health system and its diverse population. The group will work to identify barriers faced by culturally and linguistically diverse communities and recommend practical strategies to improve culturally appropriate care.
Victoria is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse states, with communities representing hundreds of ancestries, languages, and faiths. Despite this diversity, many people continue to experience challenges accessing health services due to language differences, cultural understanding gaps, and systemic barriers.
The advisory committee will play a key role in supporting the upcoming Victorian Multicultural Health Survey, which aims to gather direct feedback from multicultural and multifaith communities about their experiences navigating the health system. The findings are expected to inform future reforms and improve service delivery.
In addition, the committee will contribute to the implementation of the state’s Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing 10-Year Framework and the Multicultural Health Action Plan 2023–27. These initiatives seek to ensure that mental health and wellbeing services are culturally safe, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
Health authorities say the expansion reflects Victoria’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive health system that works for all residents, regardless of cultural background, language, or faith. By strengthening community representation in decision-making processes, the government aims to deliver a more equitable and accessible health system for every Victorian.
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