Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Mr Chin Tan has paid tribute to outgoing Minister for Multicultural Affairs Nicholas Kotsiras.

Mr Kotsiras has held the seat of Bulleen for 14 years and served as Minister for Multicultural Affairs for the past three years. In this time he has worked diligently towards building a vibrant and harmonious multicultural Victoria.

“It has been a great honour and privilege to work with Mr Kotsiras over the last few years towards improving our state’s multicultural and multi-ethnic relations,” Mr Tan said.

“I’d like to thank Mr Kotsiras on behalf of the Victorian multicultural community for his ongoing support and encouragement towards building a unified and harmonious society.

“We have been honoured by his presence at many of our events – such as the Multicultural Awards for Excellence, the Premier’s Gala Dinner and many community events.

“I’d like to wish Mr Kotsiras all the best for his future endeavours and I am confident that he will continue to be a great advocate for a multicultural Victoria,” he said.

Mr Tan welcomes the appointment of the new Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, The Hon Matthew Guy.

“I look forward to working with Minister Guy in strengthening our community through the latest policy initiative, Victoria’s Advantage – Unity, Diversity, Opportunity.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Minister Guy will lead this portfolio with a high degree of enthusiasm and pride.

“Minister Guy will bring a depth of knowledge, experience and fresh insight into the multicultural portfolio,” Mr Tan said.

Mr Guy is no stranger to multicultural affairs; he is of Ukrainian descent, and his mother’s family are from the Kharkiv region of Ukraine. Mr Guy maintains close ties to his heritage, having visited the region a number of times.