This report fulfils a requirement of the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011, which mandates government departments to report annually to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and to the Victorian Parliament on their achievements in multicultural affairs for the previous financial year.

The report reflects efforts to:

• ensure that services are accessible and responsive to the needs of Victoria’s increasingly diverse communities;
• promote and support Victoria’s multicultural communities and the benefits that diversity brings to Victoria’s economy and society;
• strengthen social cohesion and encourage all Victorians to access opportunities and to participate in and contribute to the social, cultural, economic and political life of the state

The report outlines key programs and initiatives in multicultural affairs from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 across Victorian Government departments. The report does not capture the full range of activities undertaken by departments and portfolio agencies, as the purpose is to provide a snapshot of achievements.