Tribune’s note

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Dr Anne Aly, announced the appointment of the Hon Peter Gutwein as Chair of the Australian Multicultural Council, effective 20 July 2026 [TA-260720-home-7958ad6baa5d]. The Council provides independent advice to the Government on multicultural matters and supports social cohesion, inclusion and participation. Mr Gutwein arrives with substantial public-sector credentials: he served as Premier of Tasmania and has chaired the Migrant Resource Centre since 2022, giving him over two decades of leadership and public policy experience [TA-260720-home-7958ad6baa5d].

He joined the Council as a member in 2025 and led the 2024 Walk Better Together campaign, walking more than 330 km to spotlight migrants' and refugees' contribution to Australia's community, economy and culture. The Minister said she looks forward to working with Mr Gutwein and acknowledged the service of interim Chair Simon Chan AM and outgoing member Christine Castley OAM [TA-260720-home-7958ad6baa5d].

Assistant Minister Julian Hill also welcomed the appointment, citing Mr Gutwein's leadership record, his public stance against racism, and his capacity to guide the Council in strengthening social cohesion and belonging. The appointment signals the Government's intent to place a prominent, cross-partisan public figure — Mr Gutwein is a former Liberal Premier — at the head of its principal multicultural advisory body.

Primary records (1)

The official records this note draws on — the raw primary documents themselves, as published.

MediaThe Hon Julian Hill MPJulian HillMonday 20 July 2026