Dr Sev Ozdowski OAM, President of the Australian Council for Human Rights Education, has been appointed Chair of the Australian Multicultural Council by the Australian Government.  The announcement was recently made by the Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews, andParliamentary Secretary, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.

The Council’s role is to advise the Government on multicultural affairs.

Minister Andrews said the Government’s support for the Council confirmed its commitment to a multicultural Australia and to building a stronger Australian community. “The Council will advise the Government on ways to sustain and support socially cohesive communities, to ensure all Australians have the opportunity to participate, engage and contribute to Australian life,” said Minister Andrews.For Minister Andrews media release about the appointment see the attachment.

Professor Barney Glover, UWS Vice-Chancellor of the university where Dr Ozdowski works, congratulated Sev on behalf of the University community. “This is a very fitting appointment given Dr Ozdowski’s long and distinguished career in multicultural affairs in Australia, and his significant international reputation in human rights education,” said Professor Glover.

Dr Ozdowski congratulated the five members who were also appointed to the Council, and says he looks forward to working with them on multicultural issues. “It will be a great pleasure to advise the Australian government on how to strengthen and implement Australia’s multicultural policies and programs to serve us all well.  Celebrating diversity and the ‘fair go’ is what modern Australia is about. Our multicultural success makes Australia the envy of the world,” says Dr Ozdowski.

Media Release by The Hon Kevin Andrews Minister