Mr. Susai Benjamin, a popular figure of the Indian community, is among the four people from New South Wales to have been appointed to the new Australian Multicultural Advisory Council announced on Friday by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans. Mr Benjamin has represented the NSW Chief Commissioner of State Revenue at the Administrative Decisions Tribunal since 2003 on numerous matters. He also serves as a part-time member of the Government and Related Employees Appeal Tribunal. Mr Benjamin is also the honorary coordinator of the Toongabbie Legal Centre, and honorary convenor of the Australian Multicultural Forum.
Mr Benjamin brings experience in the legal and multicultural fields to the council, through his work with the Australian Multicultural Forum and not-for-profit community-based initiatives providing legal assistance and advice.
Others selected to the Council include: “Brian Schwartz AM is currently the chief executive of Investec Bank (Australia), has been honoured as ‘Leading CEO for the Advancement of Women’ and has been acknowledged for his work with Australia’s Jewish community,” Senator Evans said.
”Lawyer, Katie Young OAM, has worked extensively with Chinese and other ethnic communities in Australia. Her experience in this area relates to music, business and the arts, making her a valuable addition to this council.
“Nola Randall-Mohk’s work with the Khmer community of NSW, Cambodian-Australian welfare and migrant resource centres, earned her the 2003 Centenary Medal for service to the community.”
The Parliamentary Secretary for the Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said the new council would advise the government on practical approaches to promoting social cohesion and overcoming racism and intolerance.
”The government considers Australia’s approach to immigration and cultural diversity to be a national strength and independent advice from a range of experienced and knowledgeable individuals is important in developing policies and programs that build on this strength,” Mr Ferguson said.
The chief executive of the Australian Football League, Andrew Demetriou, will chair the council.
Members of the new council are: Andrew Demetriou (chair), Susai Benjamin, Hass Dellal OAM, Joumanah El Matrah, Carmen Garcia, Sylwia Greda-Bogusz, Rhonda Jacobsen, Gail Ker, Voula Messimeri AM, Nola Randall-Mohk, Brian Schwartz AM, Rauf Soulio, Casta Tungaraza, Craig Waterhouse, Samina Yasmeen and Katie Young OAM.
The council is expected to meet for the first time early in the New Year
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September 19th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
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