Judge and youth leader appointed to new Multicultural Advisory Council

Joint Media Release with Laurie Ferguson MP

Wednesday, 17 December 2008

District Court Judge Rauf Soulio and the assistant director of Multicultural Youth South Australia, Carmen Garcia, have been appointed to the new Australian Multicultural Advisory Council announced today by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans.

‘The new council will advise the government on practical approaches to promoting social cohesion, the engagement of migrants in Australian society, overcoming racism and intolerance and communicating to the public on this complex social policy area,’ Senator Evans said.

‘Justice Rauf Soulio has a distinguished career in law and is extremely active in South Australia’s migrant communities.

‘His experience includes being Honorary Consul-General for Albania in Australia and membership of both the board of the Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia and Multicultural South Australia’s population forum.

‘I’m also very pleased to welcome Carmen Garcia, whose work with young migrants and refugees will be invaluable for the council.’

The Parliamentary Secretary for the Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said the government considered Australia's approach to immigration and cultural diversity to be a national strength.

‘Independent advice from a range of experienced and knowledgeable individuals is important in developing policies and programs that build on this strength,’ Mr Ferguson said.

Members of the new council are: Andrew Demetriou (chair), Susai Benjamin, Hass Dellal OAM, Joumanah El Matrah, Carmen Garcia, Sylwia Greda-Bogusz, Rhonda Jacobsen, Gail Ker, Voula Messimeri AM, Nola Randall-Mohk, Brian Schwartz AM, Rauf Soulio, Casta Tungaraza, Craig Waterhouse, Samina Yasmeen and Katie Young OAM.

The council is expected to meet for the first time early in the New Year.

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URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au /media/media-releases/2008/ce08122-5.htm
Last update: 17 December 2008 at 10:22 AEST