Victorian Government Accused of Politicising Multicultural Events

The Victorian government is facing accusations from the opposition of using taxpayer-funded multicultural events for political advantage, following the release of documents detailing control over guest lists and speaking arrangements. The allegations centre on a series of events, including the inaugural Victorian Christian Communities Dinner scheduled for May 19, 2026.

Allegations of Partisan Control

Documents released under Freedom of Information (FOI) indicate that the Premier’s Private Office (PPO) exercised control over guest lists, seating arrangements, and speaking opportunities at these events.

Government communications reportedly show that the PPO had final approval over entertainment, master of ceremonies choices, and ticket allocations.

The documents suggest a pattern of preferential access for Labor Party members while limiting opposition representation at community events funded by taxpayers.

Specific Event Details

Premier's Multicultural Gala Dinner

Cost: $438,000

• According to the documents, 190 seats were allocated to Labor MPs, their staff, and guests, while the opposition received one table.
• The PPO reportedly tripled the ticket allocation for Labor MPs.

Premier's Diwali State Reception

Cost: $381,000

• One invitation was extended to the opposition, while dozens of Labor MPs attended.
• Only Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt spoke.
• The then-opposition leader was not invited to address attendees.

Shrove Tuesday Christian Community Event

Cost: $11,400

• 22 Labor MPs were invited, with no opposition representatives included.

Victorian Christian Communities Dinner (May 19, 2026)

• Premier Allan’s personal office has final say over speaking arrangements.
• Opposition Leader Jess Wilson declined to attend after being denied a speaking opportunity, though she was offered a non-speaking role.

Additional Events

The schedule includes a Vesak dinner for Buddhists and a Lunar New Year gala.

Political Responses

Opposition Statements

Shadow multicultural affairs minister Evan Mulholland accused the government of using taxpayer money for electoral advantage:

"It is blatantly political to be doing this in an election year... It is a baked-in electoral advantage using taxpayer money."

He described the use of public funds for what he termed "politically stacked" events as a potential form of "grey corruption" — a term previously used by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) to describe the misuse of public resources for political ends.

Greens leader Ellen Sandell stated that public money should benefit the community, not the government.

Government Responses

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt dismissed the accusations, calling them "nonsense." She stated the events are "celebrations of our diversity as a state."

A Labor government spokesman said the opposition is "playing politics" and confirmed the government would continue to support Victoria’s multicultural communities.

Premier Allan did not directly respond to specific questions regarding the allegations.

Community Reactions

Vivienne Nguyen, the Multicultural Commissioner, confirmed that more large-scale multicultural events are planned this year than ever before. She noted that if the Coalition won the election, they might do the same.

Karan Gandhok, a board member of the Australian Indian Society of Victoria, stated that courtesy and parliamentary protocol demand representation from both sides of politics.

Adam Saad, a Muslim community leader, suggested he was excluded from an Iftar dinner guest list after publicly endorsing a Liberal candidate.

The information is based on government communications seen by the original sources, statements from politicians, comments from the multicultural commissioner, and community leaders.