The Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett, has been appointed as one of twelve Local Members around the state to be appointed as ‘MP Friends’ of ethnic community organisations.
The Minister responsible for multicultural affairs Glen Elmes has appointed the ‘MP friends’ because of their close links to different ethnic and cultural groups.
Mr Elmes said the group will ensure that the Newman Government is better able to prioritise services to cater for the state’s ever-changing ethnic, religious and cultural makeup.
Mr Bennett has been appointed as a Friend for the South Sea Islander community.
“The primary role of MP Friends is to be a readily accessible conduit between ethnic community organisations and government,” Mr Bennett said.
“This involves engagement with the organisations to make sure the Government, through the Minister’s office, is kept informed of emerging issues and potential solutions.
“That will help ensure that multicultural programs and policies keep pace with the state’s changing cultural demographics and that the needs of emerging communities are addressed.
“My electorate of Burnett includes a significant population of South Sea Islanders, and I’ve been pleased during my time as a Local Member to have developed an appreciation of some of the challenges they face.
“Queensland is a richer state for all of us because of the social, cultural and economic benefits brought by the many cultural and ethnic groups who’ve chosen to call our great state home.”
Mr Bennett said the most recent Census data shows that more than 20 per cent of our population was born overseas.
The state is home to more than 220 different cultures, people who speak more than 220 languages and embrace more than 100 religions or belief systems.