Victoria is home to one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world. Victorians come from more than 300 ancestries, speak more than 290 languages and follow more than 200 different faiths. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and brings many social and economic benefits.
We recognise the strength and resilience of multicultural communities that settle in Victoria and the deep social, cultural and economic contributions every person brings to our state.
Our culture shapes our communities, our daily interactions and our way of life. Culture goes to the heart of who we are and how we connect with others; it defines our sense of identity and belonging. Culture also shapes our health and wellbeing and how we experience health care.
It is important that every Victorian can access high-quality health care when they need it, regardless of who they are, where they live, their language, culture, ethnic or religious background, age, gender, sexuality, ability or circumstance.
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
The Department of Health is responsible for ensuring all Victorians can access health care and health information that is inclusive, accessible and safe.
As a major employer in Victoria, the Department of Health must ensure our workplace and the policies, programs and services we design, commission and manage are not only free from discrimination and racism but also culturally competent. This will ensure we can respond to people’s diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds, needs and preferences.
Working to improve health inequities is our core business. But we need a plan to guide our efforts and to hold us accountable to the communities we serve.
It is my pleasure to present the Department of Health multicultural health action plan 2023–27. Alongside our department’s current and forthcoming action plans for gender equality, disability, LGBTIQA+ inclusion and Aboriginal inclusion, the new multicultural health action plan will enhance our focus on health equity across many aspects of our work.
The new plan continues our longstanding commitment to multicultural communities. It will help showcase good practice and put a plan of action in place. This will better address the health and wellbeing disparities Victoria’s multicultural communities currently experience.
It is crucial that all staff of the department, together with our many partners, embrace the actions this plan puts forward to achieve better health outcomes for multicultural communities.
I look forward to your support in implementing the plan over the next four years.
Professor Euan Wallace
Secretary
Department of Health
Reviewed 26 March 2024