Multicultural Advisory Group appointed

• 16-member group appointed by the Minister
• The group will act as a consultative body on issues facing culturally and linguistically diverse communities

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia is pleased to announce the appointment of the McGowan Government's inaugural Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG).

The MAG will provide the State Government with direct grassroots feedback and advice on relevant policies, issues and needs of the culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities of Western Australia.

The role of the MAG is to:

• Be a consultative body to the Minister on issues facing CaLD communities;
• Provide input on Government policy and planning processes that affect multicultural Western Australians;
• Provide advice on emerging issues and trends; and
• Undertake any other activities as requested by the Minister.

The MAG has 16 members, appointed by the Minister for a term of one year.

Current members include:

• Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman;
• Ramkrishna Bansal, president, Indian Society of WA;
• Hajiera Davids, president, Muslim Women's Support Centre;
• David Denver, president, Jewish Community Council of WA;
• Abdullah Khan, executive principal, Australian Islamic College;
• Theresa Kwok, chief executive officer, Chung Wah Community and Aged Care;
• Anh Nguyen, president, Vietnamese Community in Australia - WA Chapter;
• Maria Osman, former executive director, Office of Multicultural Interests;
• Savas Papasavas, chairperson, Hellenic Community of Western Australia Inc.;
• Joe Radici, president, Italian Club WA;
• Iqbal Samnakay, president, Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre;
• Ramdas Sankaran, president, Ethnic Communities Council of WA;
• Sara Shengeb, project support officer, Youth Affairs Council of WA;
• Casta Tungaraza, president, African Women's Council of Australia; and
• Salim Youssef, community director, Australian Arab Association.

The group will meet bi-monthly, volunteering their time and expertise to the State.

Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia:

"As Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, one of my priorities is to engage with our State's culturally diverse communities and assist them to achieve their highest potential in contributing to WA's development.

"I look forward to working with MAG members on a range of important issues that impact CaLD communities and our multicultural State."

Minister's office -  6552 5600