26 September 2023

VEC votes in favour of CALD

Start the conversation

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has launched a multicultural inclusion plan to strengthen its commitment to greater electoral participation of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately said the plan, Multicultural Inclusion Plan 2020 – 2023 (MIP), would see the VEC provide culturally accessible information and services for Victoria’s growing population of CALD voters.

“The MIP is a key part of the VEC’s vision of all Victorians actively participating in their democracy,” Mr Gately said.

“The VEC aims to increase the electoral participation of all voters and this plan aims to address the needs of Victoria’s ever-growing population of CALD voters,” he said.

“The MIP also has an internal focus, ensuring that the VEC workforce is reflective of, and responsive to, the community we serve.”

Mr Gately said the MIP focused on four key priority areas which covered access, to culturally responsive information and services; employment, staff recruitment and retention; community, engagement, skill development, collaboration, and partnerships; and capability, building staff skills to provide culturally responsive information and services.

The Commissioner said the Plan’s internal focus aimed to build the VEC’s internal cultural competency to meet the growing needs of CALD communities and contribute to greater social cohesion through the development of understanding and respect for other cultures.

“The Plan has been developed following extensive consultation with staff, the VEC’s advisory groups, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and broader CALD communities in Victoria,” he said.

“This Plan cements our commitment to ensuring that more Victorians from our CALD communities can vote,” Mr Gately said.

The VEC’s 13-page plan can be downloaded at this PS News link.

Start the conversation

Be among the first to get all the Public Sector and Defence news and views that matter.

Subscribe now and receive the latest news, delivered free to your inbox.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.