Jamal Hakim has today radically reset the City of Melbourne’s multicultural agenda with four impactful announcements of national significance.
Jamal Hakim has today radically reset the City of Melbourne’s multicultural agenda with four impactful announcements of national significance.
Hakim said, “While multiculturalism has a long history in Australia, progress has stalled since the closure of the Office of Multicultural Affairs in 1996. For 28 years, multicultural policy has stagnated because it has become politicised. The engine’s been running, but all governments have failed to shift gears—and now the City of Melbourne will lead.”
While schoolyard tactics and political gamesmanship appear to be the central theme of other candidates to be Lord Mayor, Jamal Hakim is committing to Melbourne’s multicultural future - setting a clear strategy to harness the city's diversity and potential.
At a recent Multicultural Roundtable held by Hakim, community leaders gathered to discuss the ‘Fairer Australia’ report. Hakim outlined his vision for embracing Melbourne’s cultural diversity and ensuring all communities thrive, positioning our broad communities at the centre of his strategy.
“Melbourne is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and that is something we should be proud of. Our communities represent over 180 countries, 150 cultures, and 80 faiths,” Hakim said. “Where else can you walk down a street like Swanston Street and find cuisines from China, Korea, Italy, Thailand, and Mexico—all in one place?”
In his campaign launch for Lord Mayor in August, Hakim committed $10m to celebrate cultural diversity year-round, focusing on festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Hanukkah. The plan aims to build cultural understanding while boosting Melbourne’s economy. It means significant economic activation. He also announced the formation of a multicultural roundtable, to explore five key recommendations from the ‘Fairer Australia’ report, tailored for Melbourne.
“We have the diversity and the talent; now we need leadership to unite it. Melbourne is a global city built by entrepreneurs from around the world. It’s time to tap into that global spirit and deliver locally,” Hakim said
According to Hakim, the multicultural policy framework review is the first serious assessment of Australia’s diversity. “The majority of Melbourne’s residents were either born overseas or have parents who were. It is time to foster the city that reflects that reality.”
Leaders at the roundtable agreed: action is needed, not just reports. Hakim said commitments to initiatives would directly strengthen Melbourne and active multicultural communities.
If elected, Hakim pledged to form a coalition across government and the private sector to combat divisive rhetoric. “Multicultural communities should never be used for political gain and discarded afterwards. They are proudly Australian, and we must celebrate their achievements, resilience, and strength.”
He also announced plans to establish a multicultural advisory body reporting to Council, alongside a youth advisory body to ensure young voices are heard. “Young people, especially from multicultural backgrounds, need a seat at the table. They are the future, and I will make sure they are part of every conversation.”
In addition to Hakim’s announcement, he’s also committed $200,000 seed funding program for youth-led community groups, offering up to $5,000 per grant, along with mentorship opportunities. “This is about empowering young leaders, especially those without access to opportunities.”
“These initiatives build on the Inclusive Melbourne Action Plan, guided by the principle: ‘Nothing about us without us. Reports are only as valuable as the actions they inspire, and I’m committed to ensuring Melbourne leads in multicultural inclusion and representation.”