The Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Anne Aly, emphasized that social cohesion in Australia is a shared responsibility that should not rest solely on multicultural communities.

During an interview, Aly stated that the expectation for these communities to bear the burden of social cohesion can negatively impact their perception and portrayal within society.

Aly remarked, “Multiculturalism isn't solely about social cohesion and multicultural communities aren't solely responsible for social cohesion.” She articulated concerns that emphasizing the responsibilities of multicultural communities has led to increased perceptions of securitization, wherein these groups are viewed as responsible for societal unity.

Concerns surrounding social cohesion heightened following the recent conflict in Gaza, prompting the Albanese government to allocate $30 million in community grants and establish a special envoy for social cohesion in the previous year.

However, this envoy role was discontinued earlier in 2023. Aly underscored the necessity for ongoing vigilance regarding social cohesion, indicating that the new office will be housed within the Department of Home Affairs.

This office aims to amalgamate the department’s existing multicultural affairs initiatives with settlement services and community grant programs.

The establishment of the office responds, albeit partially, to recommendations from the Multicultural Framework Review (MFR), which called for a dedicated department focusing on Multicultural Affairs, Immigration, and Citizenship.

The MFR report raised apprehensions about the Department of Home Affairs, noting that many communities felt they were being surveilled rather than supported.

In light of these developments, the Home Affairs Department has expanded, incorporating law enforcement and security agencies, such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), following Australia's federal election in May.

Aly defended the decision to place the new office within Home Affairs, acknowledging the concerns expressed by multicultural communities.

She stated, “I heard those concerns before I was a member of parliament as a professor and a researcher.”

The minister noted that the establishment of this office aims to highlight multicultural affairs within the governmental framework.

Although the office will not serve as an independent department, MFR chair Hass Dellal expressed a positive view on its creation, recognizing the importance of having an office that reports directly to the cabinet and has access to the ear of the Prime Minister.

Dellal urged the government to ensure that efforts are made to distinguish this office from the broader operations of the Home Affairs Department, suggesting a need for a more inclusive and celebratory approach to multicultural affairs, rather than one that connotes monitoring or marginalization.

Potential responsibilities of the new office may include overseeing settlement services such as the Adult Migrant English Program, humanitarian entrant grants, translation and interpreting services, as well as the formulation of multicultural policy.

The specific scope of responsibilities will be determined during the department's mandatory consultation phase.

The office is anticipated to commence operations on July 17, just prior to the inaugural session of the new parliamentary term, positioning itself as a significant aspect of the Australian governmental approach to multicultural affairs.